Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are expected to face unstable weather conditions from April 3 to April 8, 2026. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rain, strong winds, and hailstorms during this period. These weather activities are likely to disrupt daily life and have caused significant worry among the farming community regarding crop safety.
What are the key dates and IMD alerts for Delhi-NCR?
The weather department has identified two main phases of activity, with the most severe impact expected on April 3-4 and April 7-8. An Orange Alert has been issued for South, Central, and New Delhi due to the risk of lightning and strong winds. The rest of the city remains under a Yellow Alert, indicating a need to stay updated and cautious.
- Wind speeds are predicted to range between 30 and 40 kilometers per hour during the storms.
- Maximum temperatures will likely hover around 32 degrees Celsius, providing temporary relief from the summer heat.
- The air quality index (AQI) was recently recorded at 291 in the unhealthy category, with Anand Vihar reaching 250.
- Authorities have advised residents to stay in safe locations and avoid standing under trees or weak structures during high winds.
How will the weather impact farmers and daily life?
Farmers in the region are facing a critical situation as unseasonal rain and hail can cause heavy damage to standing crops like wheat and mustard. The IMD has issued specific guidelines for the agricultural sector to minimize economic losses. Conditions are expected to stabilize only after April 9, when temperatures will begin to rise again.
| Activity | IMD Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Crop Harvesting | Keep harvested crops in safe, covered places |
| Irrigation | Postpone all irrigation activities until the weather clears |
| Pesticides | Avoid spraying chemicals or pesticides during this period |
| Public Movement | Avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm hours |
Experts from Skymet noted that two active Western Disturbances are the primary reason for this prolonged spell of bad weather. On April 4, several parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh also reported cloudy skies and localized rainfall. Residents are encouraged to follow official updates as the situation develops over the coming week.