Several parts of the national capital New Delhi were lashed by rain and hail on Tuesday afternoon. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several parts of the city for moderate thunderstorms, rain, gusty winds and possibility of hailstorm.
Orange alert in Delhi
The advisory for New Delhi, Central Delhi, West Delhi, North West Delhi, Outer North Delhi, North East Delhi, Shahdara and East Delhi, along with parts of South and South West Delhi, remains for the next few hours as rain and thundershowers are expected throughout the day.
The weather service also predicted the possibility of thunderstorms with hail in isolated areas of the city.
Below normal temperature in Delhi
The IMD has predicted a maximum temperature of 33 degrees Celsius, with thunderstorms and rain likely later in the day.
Mahesh Palawat of Skymet Weather said, “Maximum temperature will be well below normal as North India received rain. Similar conditions are likely to persist for the next one to two days with temperatures remaining below normal.”
IndiGo issues travel advisory
Following the rains in Delhi, budget carrier IndiGo issued a travel advisory for flyers warning of possible disruptions.
“Bad weather over Delhi has affected flight schedules. We are monitoring the weather closely and doing everything we can to get you where you need to go safely and smoothly. We request that you stay updated on the status of your flight through our website or app. Rest assured that our teams are here to help you every step of the way and provide full support,” the airline said in a social media post.
Delhi witnessed isolated rains on Saturday and Monday as well, bringing much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat.
IMD predicts above normal rainfall for May
Last week, in its latest monthly outlook, the IMD predicted that India will experience above-normal rainfall in May, even as temperature patterns remain mixed across regions, with some parts expected to face above-normal heat conditions.
“During May 2026, maximum temperatures are expected to be normal to sub-normal in many parts of the country,” the IMD said in a press release issued by the Department of Earth Sciences.
However, he added that “above normal temperatures are likely in many parts of southern peninsular India, some parts of northeast and northwest India.” The weather agency said minimum temperatures will remain above normal over large parts of the country, though some regions in northwest, central and adjoining peninsular India may experience normal to sub-normal night temperatures.
