IMD issues orange alert for hailstorm in Delhi; Himachal to see ’severe cold day’ till 28 December | See full forecast

IMD alert: The India Meteorological Department, issued an orange alert for Delhi, on Friday, December 27, and predicted hailstorms for the region. It has also predicted cold to severe cold day conditions for some parts of Himachal Pradesh on December 27 and 28.  

At the same time, the Met Dept also issued a 'yellow' alert for Delhi for Saturday and Sunday.

“Thunderstorm accompanied with hailstorms also likely over Southeast Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada and Gujarat Region on 27th and Madhya Pradesh on 27th and 28th December,” the IMD said in its a press release.

Additionally, isolated pockets of Rajasthan are likely to experience dense to very dense fog conditions from December 27 to 29. Regions across several North Indian states, such as Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, are also likely to experience ground frost conditions, added the IMD.

Srinagar experiences first snowfall of the season

Jammu and Kashmir's capital city, Srinagar, witnessed the first snowfall of the season on Friday. Visuals showed commuters clad in winter wear making their way through as snowfall hit the city.

Srinagar has been witnessing severe cold temperatures over the last week. On December 21, Chillai-Kalan—the 40-day period of the harshest winters—struck Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar's minimum temperature dipped to minus seven degrees on December 25, Christmas.

The IMD has also predicted light snowfall in the upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir from December 28 to 31 ahead of the New Year.

Low visibility at Delhi Airport

Delhi has been witnessing light to moderate rainfall since Friday, December 27 morning. Indira Gandhi International Airport Authority officers also released an advisory for passengers owing to the low visibility.

“Low Visibility Procedures are still in progress at Delhi Airport. However, there has been no impact on flight operations. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information,” Delhi Airport posted on X.