'Holika Dahan' celebrations affected as hailstorm and rain hits parts of Delhi-NCR

A hailstorm struck Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) Thursday (March 13), bringing strong winds and covering streets with ice pellets. 

Massive hailstorm in Greater Noida!! pic.twitter.com/n5cai3FqDl

Reports on X indicate that the storm began in the early afternoon, accompanied by gusty winds and moderate to heavy rain. At 5:03 PM IST, the account StormMetAlert referenced a nowcast issued earlier in the day, warning of 30-40 kmph winds in Gurugram, Jhajjar, Mewat, and parts of Delhi. By evening, hailstones were widely reported, with users sharing images and videos of the conditions.

Nowcast-8 5:00 (Haryana, Delhi)

Thunderstorm accompanied with 30-40kmph Gusty winds with Moderate to Intense rain and hail likely in #CharkhiDadri, #Jhajjar, #Gurugram, #Punhana, #Hodal, #Mewat, #Narnaul and adjoining areas During Next 1-2 hours. pic.twitter.com/jD1Yw89fCF

Traffic disruptions were reported on major roads like the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, where reduced visibility and waterlogging slowed movement. Commuters in Gurugram and South Delhi faced extended delays, while power outages were reported in parts of East Delhi, possibly due to damage to electrical lines.

Hailstorm in Delhi/NCR 🤯 pic.twitter.com/gK5hQvSMpC

Someone is playing #holi up there #hailstorm pic.twitter.com/zteQy36nnC

Meteorologists on X, such as @ThunderWildWx, attributed the storm to a western disturbance interacting with local weather patterns. By 5:52 PM IST, they noted that the system had already affected parts of Rajasthan and Haryana and was expected to bring further rain to Delhi and surrounding areas on March 14.

WD & favourable local factors have brought light to moderate rains & hailstorm in parts of NE #Rajasthan & South #Haryana
Chances of rains in Delhi, adjoining West UP & North Haryana are higher for tomorrow, as the WD undergoes change in its orientation.#DelhiRains pic.twitter.com/Nlimvwcqml

Farmers in Haryana expressed concerns over potential crop damage, while urban residents shared varied responses, with some observing the unusual weather and others dealing with traffic congestion in areas like Greater Noida.

#Hailstorm #DelhiNCR pic.twitter.com/Lgki3RIEiq

Authorities have not issued an official response yet, but emergency services are reportedly on alert. With forecasts suggesting continued rainfall, Delhi-NCR is preparing for further weather-related disruptions.