Delhi, NCR hit by heavy rain as orange alert issued

A fresh western disturbance brought heavy and intermittent rain to Delhi and large parts of the National Capital Region on Monday and Tuesday, prompting the India Meteorological Department to issue yellow and orange alerts and causing traffic slowdowns and flight disruptions across the city. Meteorologists said the system produced thunderstorms, gusty winds and a marked drop in temperature, offering temporary relief from the recent warm, humid spell.

The IMD warned of moderate rainfall and possible thunderstorms with lightning for Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad under orange alert conditions, while Gurugram, Faridabad and other adjoining areas were placed under yellow alert. Forecasters said winds could gust between 30 and 60 kilometres per hour in parts of central, southwest, west, northwest and north Delhi and neighbouring districts, and that isolated hail and brief heavy thunderstorms were possible in some areas.

Weather stations recorded measurable rain across the capital. Safdarjung logged 12.6 millimetres in the 24 hours ending 8.30 a.m. on Tuesday, while Palam and Ridge reported roughly 11 to 11.7 millimetres. Earlier readings from Monday showed lighter showers at several...