Grey skies over Delhi-NCR as rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds expected
April 30, 2026: The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Noida and Ghaziabad, forecasting rain and thunderstorms on Thursday evening, while Delhi remains under a yellow alert. Peripheral regions of the National Capital Region, including Meerut, are under a red alert, indicating the likelihood of moderate to severe thunderstorms. Grey skies across NCR signalled an approaching weather system.
According to IMD, red alert areas may witness intense thunderstorms, while orange alert regions could experience moderate storm activity. Light rain and thunderstorms are expected in yellow alert zones. The capital recorded a minimum temperature of 25.4°C at Safdarjung, with the maximum expected to reach around 36°C. Other stations, including Palam, Lodhi Road, Ridge and Ayanagar, also reported similar temperature trends. The city’s Air Quality Index stood at 136, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category as per the Central Pollution Control Board.
April has been unusual for Delhi’s weather, emerging as the wettest in nearly two decades with 27.9 mm rainfall so far, alongside relatively cleaner air and cooler conditions. Despite occasional heat spells, only one heatwave day was recorded, while improved rainfall and winds helped bring down pollution levels, making it the cleanest April in four years.