The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Delhi as the national capital experiences a mix of intense heat and unstable pre-monsoon weather conditions. Residents woke up to relatively pleasant conditions on Thursday morning, offering temporary relief from the recent spell of scorching temperatures across the region.

According to the IMD forecast, Delhi is expected to see partly cloudy skies through the day, which will turn generally cloudy by afternoon. The weather department has warned of light rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong surface winds reaching speeds of 50–70 kmph during the afternoon hours, indicating highly volatile atmospheric conditions.

Another spell of rain is likely in the evening and night, with thunderstorms and dust storms expected to affect several parts of the city. Despite the rain activity, temperatures are expected to remain high, with the maximum likely between 39°C and 41°C and the minimum around 30°C. The IMD has said that temperatures will remain near normal, with only minor deviations from seasonal averages.

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Over the past 24 hours, Delhi recorded maximum temperatures in the range of 42–44°C and minimum temperatures between 28–31°C, highlighting the sharp fluctuation in weather conditions. Wind patterns are also expected to shift through the day, beginning with southwesterly winds at around 20 kmph in the morning, increasing to 25 kmph in the afternoon, and later turning easterly by evening with reduced intensity.

The IMD also issued alerts for other parts of the country, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall in Kerala and an orange alert for the state. In addition, heavy rainfall is likely over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya, Odisha, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, indicating widespread monsoon activity across multiple regions. Authorities have advised residents in affected areas to stay alert, follow official weather updates, and take necessary precautions, especially in regions prone to thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rainfall.

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