New Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region faced a red alert from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds until Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The severe weather brought widespread disruptions across the capital. While immediate conditions on Wednesday afternoon shifted to cloudy skies and fog, authorities expect another spell of rain and thunderstorms around February 1.[thehealthsite+2]
Intense Weather Batters Capital
Delhi experienced a significant winter storm on Tuesday, January 27, with heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds. Gusty winds, reaching speeds between 40 to 60 kilometers per hour, swept through the region. Some areas also reported hailstorms.The IMD issued a red alert for several parts of Delhi, including North, Northwest, Central, Northeast, West, and Southwest Delhi. Other areas like Southeast Delhi, South Delhi, New Delhi, Shahdara, and East Delhi were under an orange alert.This intense weather was attributed to an active Western Disturbance affecting the region.Delhi recorded 24 millimeters of rain in January, marking the highest monthly total since 2022.[oneindia+5]
Widespread Disruptions and Warnings
The severe weather significantly disrupted daily life. Residents faced waterlogged streets and power outages. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) saw substantial operational impact on January 27, with more than 90 departures delayed and eight inbound flights diverted to Jaipur and Lucknow.Airlines like Akasa Air, IndiGo, and SpiceJet issued advisories, urging passengers to allow extra travel time and monitor flight statuses.The IMD defines a red alert as a call for authorities and residents to take action due to expected severe weather.Experts also warned of a potential surge in seasonal flu cases because of the sudden shift in weather conditions and the ongoing cold wave.While the rain offered some temporary relief from pollution, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'poor' to 'very poor' category.[thehealthsite+7]
Looking Ahead: Fog, Cold, and More Rain
As of Wednesday, January 28, the immediate forecast for Delhi includes generally cloudy skies with shallow fog during morning hours.Temperatures are expected to fluctuate, with minimum temperatures rising by 4-5 degrees Celsius in the next 24 hours, followed by a fall of 5-6 degrees Celsius for the subsequent three days.A fresh Western Disturbance is likely to impact northwest India starting from the night of January 30.The IMD forecasts another spell of light rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, with speeds of 30-40 kilometers per hour, on February 1, 2026.Gurugram and Noida are also expected to see similar weather conditions, including light rain around February 1 and 2.Residents should remain cautious and stay updated on the latest weather advisories.[m+7]
