Rain lashes parts of Delhi-NCR, IMD issues orange alert

Parts of Delhi received light rain on Monday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) placed the national capital under an orange alert , warning residents to remain prepared for potentially disruptive weather conditions.

The weather office said moderate dust storms followed by light rain and thunderstorms are very likely over most parts of the city. Wind speeds are expected to reach 50–70 kmph with gusts up to 80 kmph , which could cause reduced visibility, traffic disruptions and minor damage due to flying debris.

In some areas, the IMD has also forecast light thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and winds of 30–40 kmph , adding to the unstable weather expected across the capital and nearby regions.

Meteorologists said the sudden change in weather is being driven by an active western disturbance affecting northwest India , along with favourable atmospheric conditions that are bringing moisture and instability to the region. The system has triggered a broader wet spell across northern India , with rainfall and thunderstorms forecast in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh as well.

The IMD said such disturbances are responsible for unusual weather swings in March, often bringing rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds to the northwestern plains.

An orange alert indicates residents should “be prepared” for adverse weather, including strong winds, lightning and dust storms that may temporarily disrupt daily activities.

Meanwhile, temperatures across the capital remained within a narrow range on Monday morning. Safdarjung, the city’s base weather station, recorded a minimum temperature of 20.4°C . Palam registered 21°C , while Lodhi Road recorded 19.4°C .

The Ridge station logged 19.5°C , and Ayanagar recorded 20°C , according to the meteorological department.