After several days of intense summer heat, parts of Delhi-NCR were hit by sudden heavy rainfall accompanied by a hailstorm on Thursday, bringing temporary relief to residents across the national capital and nearby cities including Noida and Ghaziabad. The abrupt change in weather followed overcast skies, strong winds, and thunderstorms that developed rapidly through the day.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier forecast thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty surface winds for the region, warning that unstable weather conditions could persist. On Thursday, the IMD issued an orange alert, indicating the need for residents and authorities to remain prepared for potentially disruptive weather activity. The alert warned of strong winds, lightning, and rainfall that could impact traffic movement and outdoor activities, advising people to stay indoors during intense spells.

Wind speeds in several parts of Delhi-NCR reportedly reached up to 70 kmph, leading to uprooted trees, disrupted traffic, and brief chaos in some areas. Hailstorms and intermittent rain were reported in pockets of the city and adjoining regions. Areas such as Shahdara, Seelampur, Vivek Vihar, Preet Vihar, and parts of Noida experienced hail and thunderstorms, while light to moderate rain and lightning were also recorded across central and south Delhi locations including ITO, India Gate, Kashmere Gate, Rajeev Chowk, Lajpat Nagar, and Kalkaji.

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The sudden spell of rain and strong winds led to a noticeable dip in temperatures across the region, offering relief from the prevailing heatwave-like conditions. The change in weather brought temporary comfort to residents who had been facing high daytime temperatures in recent days.

Despite the rainfall, Delhi’s air quality remained in the “moderate” category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 148 on Thursday. The brief improvement in weather conditions did not significantly alter pollution levels, which continue to fluctuate due to local and regional factors.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) issued an advisory aimed at mitigating the impact of the ongoing summer heat. Departments have been instructed to ensure access to cool drinking water and cooling arrangements in offices, schools, and community halls. Sanitation workers and gardeners are set to receive ORS kits, while contractors have been directed to provide drinking water, shaded rest areas, and ORS at work sites. The veterinary department has also been asked to ensure water availability at all dog-feeding points.

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