Just when Delhi NCR residents were adjusting to bone-chilling mornings, the skies decided to shift the mood again. Following one of the coldest Republic Day dawns in recent years, the region has now been placed under a yellow weather alert, with forecasts warning of rain, thunderstorms, and lightning over the next phase.
For a city already navigating winter fatigue, this sudden change has kept people cautious umbrellas back in bags, travel plans reconsidered, and morning routines disrupted.
What the alert means
A yellow alert doesn’t signal disaster, but it does ask for attention. Meteorological officials have warned that intermittent rainfall, gusty winds, and isolated lightning activity could affect parts of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and surrounding areas.
While temperatures may rise slightly during the day, cloud cover and moisture in the air are expected to intensify the winter chill, especially during early mornings and late evenings.
The alert comes immediately after a Republic Day morning that many residents described as unusually harsh. Low temperatures, dense fog in pockets, and icy winds had already slowed daily life from delayed trains to packed shelters for the homeless.
Now, with rain entering the mix, the cold is likely to linger longer than usual, making it feel heavier and more persistent.
Who should stay extra cautious
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Morning commuters and two-wheeler riders
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School children and elderly citizens
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Outdoor workers and street vendors
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Travellers using highways and early-morning transport
Wet roads, reduced visibility, and sudden weather swings could create short-term disruptions across the region.
Weather experts say such fluctuations are common during late winter, especially when western disturbances move across north India. While the rain may offer temporary relief from pollution levels, it also increases the risk of traffic congestion, power fluctuations, and health issues linked to cold exposure.
Authorities have advised residents to stay updated with local advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during intense weather spells.
A winter that refuses to leave quietly
For Delhi-NCR, this winter has been anything but predictable. From extreme cold mornings to sudden alerts, the season has stretched patience and routines. And as clouds gather once more, one thing is clear: winter isn’t done testing the capital just yet.
