Dark clouds enveloped Delhi on Tuesday afternoon as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) escalated its weather advisory to an orange alert for the national capital and adjacent areas. This notification follows the occurrence of intense hailstorms across southwestern Haryana and northern Rajasthan, with the unstable weather system advancing towards the core of the National Capital Region (NCR).

Warnings for Residents in Affected Areas

Caution has been advised for residents in regions such as Manesar, Nuh, and Gurugram, where gusty winds are expected to reach speeds of 40 to 60 kilometers per hour. This will be coupled with moderate rainfall and frequent lightning events. Authorities are urging everyone to take necessary precautions as the weather deteriorates.

Understanding the Causes of Unseasonal Rain

The instability in the atmosphere is largely attributed to an active western disturbance, an extra-tropical storm system originating from the Mediterranean region. This system travels thousands of kilometers before affecting Northwest India. As it traverses the plains, it interacts with local moisture, resulting in significant atmospheric instability. The IMD indicates that a cyclonic circulation over Punjab and neighboring Haryana has enhanced these conditions, leading to the rapid formation of thunderclouds.

The Risk of Hailstorms in Haryana and Delhi

Hailstorms occur when strong updrafts carry raindrops into the colder sections of storm clouds, where they freeze and grow larger until they are too heavy for the updrafts to support. The current atmospheric conditions in Haryana and Rajasthan are highly conducive to the formation of these ice pellets. The risk remains notably high in certain pockets of Delhi, particularly where storm cells are most concentrated.

Duration of the Orange Alert

The orange alert signifies that residents should prepare for potential disruptions. According to the IMD’s nowcast, light to moderate rainfall, along with thunderstorms and strong winds, is expected to linger through the evening of March 31. While temperatures may drop by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius temporarily, the high wind speeds may pose risks to vulnerable structures and power infrastructure. Another western disturbance is anticipated to arrive around April 2, which could keep the weather unsettled for the week ahead.

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