Delhi on orange alert as rain, severe thunderstorm likely to hit in few hours; IMD sounds red alert for Gurugram

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast relief from the intense heatwave across Delhi-NCR and other parts of Northwest India over the next three days, as western disturbances and easterly winds are expected to change weather conditions in the region.Delhi on orange alert for severe thunderstorm, hailstorm in evening hours. (Sanchit Khanna/Hindustan Times)The weather department has issued an orange alert for Delhi and Noida, and a red alert for Gurugram and Faridabad for the next few hours, as moderate to severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and isolated hailstorms are very likely at many places across the region.IMD scientist Akhil Srivastava told news agency ANI that thunderstorm activity is likely across the Western Himalayan region and nearby plains under the influence of the incoming western disturbance and easterly winds.Also read | Heat respite for Delhi from today? Weather panel predicts rain, thunderstormHe said the change in weather is expected to bring major relief from the ongoing heatwave in states including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.However, the IMD has also warned of strong winds and severe weather conditions in several regions. Wind speeds in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and nearby areas may reach 60 to 70 kilometres per hour and could touch 80 kilometres per hour in some places.Also read | Rain to bring down temperature in Delhi as IMD issues ‘yellow alert’Srivastava added that some parts of Uttar Pradesh may witness even stronger winds of 80 to 90 kilometres per hour, with speeds occasionally reaching 100 kilometres per hour.The IMD has also issued hailstorm warnings for Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana and parts of Uttar Pradesh, and advised people to remain cautious during the changing weather conditions.