IMD issues yellow alert for Delhi-NCR; rain, thunderstorms & hailstorms likely

NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for rain in Delhi-NCR on Thursday, forecasting a generally cloudy sky with spells of rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds. Isolated hailstorms are also likely over Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh on October 29 and 30, according to the weather department. The maximum and minimum temperatures in Delhi are expected to settle at 27 degrees Celsius and 17 degrees Celsius, respectively, on Thursday. The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall at several places, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds. Wind speeds could reach 40-50 kmph during the morning, while winds of 30-40 kmph are likely during the rest of the day. The unsettled weather is expected to continue on Friday, with the IMD forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by rain. Conditions are likely to remain cloudy as the weather system brings a spell of rainfall to the national capital and adjoining areas. The IMD's latest warning for Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh also flags the possibility of hailstorms on Thursday and Friday. Residents have been advised to remain cautious during thunderstorms and strong winds. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality had deteriorated to the poor category on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 229, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This was up from 197 on Tuesday, ending four consecutive days of moderate air quality.