Delhi Rain and Noida Hailstorm: IMD Issues Red Alert

The weather in Delhi-NCR took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as a sudden spell of rain and a severe hailstorm lashed several parts of the region. Since Tuesday morning, intermittent rain had already set a chilly tone for the day, but the situation intensified in the evening when Noida and surrounding areas witnessed heavy hailstorms, leading to a significant drop in temperature and causing widespread disruption.

Severe Hailstorm Hits Noida and NCR

Around 5:00 PM, residents of Noida were surprised by a heavy hailstorm that turned the streets white within minutes. Areas like Kalindi Kunj, Badarpur, and Shaheen Bagh also reported significant hail activity. The intensity of the hail was so high that it forced commuters. To stop their vehicles, leading to traffic snarls across major arterial roads. The sudden icy downpour has brought back the peak winter chill that had briefly subsided over the last few days.

IMD Issues Red Alert for Next 3 Days

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for certain parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) and an Orange Alert for others. According to meteorologists, this sudden change is the result of a powerful Western Disturbance affecting Northwest India. The IMD predicts that these weather conditions—characterized by thunderstorms, lightning, and rain—are likely to. Persist for at least the next three days, keeping the region under a cold grip.

Impact on Traffic and Daily Commute

The combination of rain and hail has severely impacted the evening rush hour. Major bottlenecks were reported on the Delhi-Noida Direct (DND) Flyway and the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. Reduced visibility and slippery road conditions have made driving hazardous. Authorities have advised citizens to exercise caution while driving and to avoid unnecessary travel until the weather stabilizes. Public transport services also saw slight delays due to the waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Agricultural Concerns and Crop Damage

While the rain might be beneficial for some crops, the hailstorm has sparked fears among the farming community. In regions like Narnaul and parts of Western UP, the hail has reportedly damaged standing crops such as mustard and wheat. Farmers are worried that continued hailstorms could lead to a total loss of their harvest. Agricultural experts are currently assessing the situation, but the initial reports suggest. That the impact could be substantial if the weather doesn't clear up soon.

Temperature Drop and Forecast

Following the rain and hail, the mercury has plummeted across the NCR. The minimum temperature is expected to hover around 7-9 degrees Celsius over the coming nights. This follows a brief period of clear skies between January 24 and 26, while the IMD suggests that the cold wave conditions might intensify as the moisture in the air combined with cold winds from the Himalayas will keep the 'feels like' temperature much lower than the actual reading.