Delhiites woke up to a spell of thunder, lightning, and light rain on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Dark clouds, lightning, and light rain have been experienced in the city, which is a welcome change from the hot weather. It seems like the city is going to experience active weather soon.The weather change comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a series of thunderstorms, gusty winds and rainfall across parts of northwest India over the next few days. According to the latest All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin, thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–50 kmph is likely across several states between March 15 and March 19.
IMD weather report
The IMD said isolated rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is likely over parts of Punjab, Haryana and the Delhi region during this period. The unsettled weather conditions may also extend to parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan on select days through the week.According to meteorologists, the emerging weather pattern can be attributed to the western disturbance that has been affecting the northwestern part of the country. The western disturbance is a periodic weather pattern that usually forms over the Mediterranean region and then proceeds towards the Indian subcontinent, causing rain, snow, and stormy weather in northern India. The IMD has also stated that another western disturbance can be expected in the region from the night of March 17, thus sustaining the stormy weather for the next few days as well.In the western Himalayas, the rainfall and snowfall activities can be expected to increase between March 15 and March 20. The states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand can expect scattered or fairly widespread rainfall along with thunderstorms and gusty winds during this period. Even hailstorms can be expected at isolated places in the Himalayan states and the plains around March 15 and 16.As the northern part of India can expect stormy weather in the coming days, other parts of the country have been witnessing contrasting kinds of weather as well. Isolated heatwave conditions have been experienced in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Odisha.At the same time, the IMD has noted that maximum temperatures across northwest India are likely to fall gradually by around 2–4 degrees Celsius over the next several days as the weather systems bring cloud cover and rainfall.For residents of Delhi, Sunday’s early morning thunder and showers may be just the beginning of a more unsettled weather spell, with the possibility of additional thunderstorms and gusty winds through the coming week.
Travel advisory
With thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds forecast across parts of northern India, the India Meteorological Department has advised residents and travellers to stay alert and monitor weather updates over the coming days.Travellers heading to hill destinations such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand should be prepared for intermittent rain, snowfall in higher reaches, and possible road disruptions. The roads on the mountainous regions may become slippery, and the level of visibility may be reduced during periods of heavy rainfall or storms.Those who are moving around the plains, which include the national capital region around Delhi, may face temporary slowdowns of traffic during thunderstorms.Travellers are advised to check weather forecasts and traffic conditions before starting their journey. Passengers with flights or train journeys scheduled over the next few days should keep track of updates from airlines and railways, as severe weather may occasionally cause delays.With changing weather conditions expected through the week, travellers are advised to plan journeys carefully and allow extra time for travel where necessary.
