The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant weather alert for Delhi-NCR and several other Indian states, predicting widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds. This weather shift is attributed to an active western disturbance over northern India and the onset of the northeast monsoon across the southern peninsula.
Delhi-NCR Braces for Rain, Thunderstorms, and Gusts
Residents of Delhi and neighboring National Capital Region (NCR) cities, including Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, and Faridabad, should prepare for a wet spell. The IMD forecasts very light to light rain in many areas, with moderate rain possible in isolated locations throughout October 15. Thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds reaching 40-50 kmph, with gusts up to 60 kmph, are anticipated during the afternoon and evening. Another round of rain or thunderstorms is possible overnight.
Showers are expected to continue on October 16, with thunderstorms likely from early morning until noon. Weather conditions are projected to become drier from October 17, bringing partly cloudy skies and maximum temperatures between 31-33°C. This change will bring a noticeable drop in daytime temperatures for Delhi, with highs expected around 28-30°C and lows between 19-21°C.
Widespread Impact Across Northern and Northwestern States
Beyond the capital, the active western disturbance is set to disrupt weather patterns across a broad swathe of northern and northwestern India. Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh are all likely to experience fairly widespread rainfall and thunderstorms on October 14 and 15. Isolated hailstorms and wind gusts up to 60 kmph are also possible in these regions.
Specifically, East Rajasthan is forecast to see rainfall activity through October 16, while West Rajasthan's wet spell will conclude by October 15. West Uttar Pradesh can expect rain until October 16, and Uttarakhand is bracing for heavy thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds.
Monsoon Transition Triggers Heavy Rainfall in the South
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon is in its final stages of withdrawal from the country, paving the way for the northeast monsoon to commence over the southern peninsula from October 15. This seasonal transition is expected to trigger very heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Karaikal, and Mahe.
The IMD's weather warnings extend through October 19 for several southern states. Sustained downpours and thunderstorms are anticipated across South Interior Karnataka, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Rayalaseema as the northeast monsoon takes hold. Authorities advise caution, as strong winds and localized hail in northern belts, alongside heavy downpours in the south, could temporarily disrupt commuting, reduce visibility, and impact agricultural activities in exposed regions.