More storms coming to India from Pakistan tonight: Brace for 80 kmph winds

A fresh line of thunderstorms forming over Pakistan is expected to move into north India overnight. Forecasters have warned of strong winds, dust storms, heavy rain and isolated hail, with uneven impact across districts.

In Short

• Thunderstorm clusters formed over Pakistan and are moving eastwards overnight
• Punjab may see first impact, with Haryana and Chandigarh following later
• Delhi-NCR and western Uttar Pradesh face peak activity between 9 pm and 1 am

A fresh spell of intense thunderstorms developing over Pakistan is expected to sweep across large parts of north India tonight, bringing powerful wind gusts, dust storms, heavy rain and the possibility of hailstorms after a scorching afternoon across the region.

Weather forecasters tracking the system said thunderstorm clusters have already begun forming over Pakistan and are likely to move eastward into Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh during the late evening and overnight hours.

The approaching storm system could trigger strong wind gusts ranging between 40 and 80 kilometres per hour, capable of uprooting trees, damaging temporary structures and sharply reducing visibility during dust storm activity.

According to the latest projections, Punjab is likely to witness the first impact between 7 pm and 11 pm, while parts of north Rajasthan, including Jaipur, could experience storm activity between 7 pm and 9 pm.

The thunderstorms are then expected to advance towards Haryana and Chandigarh between 8 pm and 11 pm before reaching Delhi-NCR and western Uttar Pradesh later in the night.

Forecasters estimate the most active weather window for Delhi-NCR and adjoining west Uttar Pradesh to be between 9 pm and 1 am.

Apart from damaging winds and lightning, some pockets could receive moderate to heavy thundershowers in a short duration, increasing the risk of localised waterlogging and traffic disruption. Hailstorms are also possible in isolated areas where the thunderstorms intensify rapidly.

The weather activity comes after another hot afternoon across north India, with strong surface heating helping build atmospheric instability favourable for severe storm development.

Meteorologists say the collision of hot dry winds over northwestern India with moisture and cooler air associated with the incoming western disturbance is helping fuel these thunderstorm systems.

However, forecasters cautioned that storm coverage may remain uneven, with some districts receiving intense weather while others could see minimal impact or even miss the storms entirely.

They added that the exact timing and intensity of the storms could still change depending on how the thunderstorm clusters mature over the next few hours and whether steering winds remain favourable for their eastward movement.

Authorities are advising residents to remain indoors during thunderstorm activity, avoid sheltering under trees and secure loose outdoor objects as the storm line approaches overnight.

- Ends