Delhi-NCR witnessed unsettled weather on Thursday, October 29, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing red and orange alerts for several parts of the national capital over the possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall. The rain and overcast skies could also disrupt Karwa Chauth rituals, with women observing the fast potentially facing difficulties in sighting the moon in the evening.
The IMD's nowcast, issued at around 3.40 pm, placed North Delhi, North West Delhi, West Delhi and South West Delhi under a red alert. An orange alert was issued for Central Delhi, North East Delhi and South East Delhi. Gurugram, meanwhile, remained under a yellow alert until 6 pm.
The unsettled conditions are expected to extend beyond Thursday, with forecasts indicating further showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds across parts of north India. Isolated hailstorms are also possible in Delhi-NCR and neighbouring areas on October 29 and 30.
The minimum temperature in Delhi is forecast to settle at around 19 degrees Celsius on Thursday, while the maximum is expected to reach 26 degrees Celsius.
Cloud cover could disrupt Karwa Chauth rituals
The possibility of persistent rainfall and cloudy skies has raised concerns among those observing Karwa Chauth, a traditional Hindu festival during which women fast for their husbands' well-being and longevity. The fast is traditionally broken after sighting the moon and offering prayers.
Amateur weather forecaster Navdeep Dhaiya warned that repeated spells of rain and overcast conditions could make the evening moon sighting difficult across Delhi-NCR and neighbouring regions.
“Karwa Chauth fasting to be impacted by weather! Frequent spells of varied-intensity showers will continue throughout the day along with cloudy conditions in Delhi NCR, Haryana, West UP and Chandigarh. Moon sighting is not expected at night due to overcast conditions; plan accordingly,” he said.
The moon is expected to rise in Delhi at around 8.17 pm, although the actual sighting will depend on local weather conditions and cloud cover. The forecast does not necessarily mean that the moon will remain hidden throughout the night, as visibility could improve if the clouds clear.
Delhi weather forecast for the next seven days
The IMD's weekly forecast indicates that rainfall and cloudy conditions on Thursday and Friday are likely to give way to clearer skies over the weekend and into the following week.
On October 29, moderate rain is forecast under generally cloudy skies, with the minimum temperature at 19 degrees Celsius and the maximum at 26 degrees Celsius.
Thunderstorms accompanied by rain are expected on October 30. The minimum temperature is likely to fall to 17 degrees Celsius, while the maximum could reach 27 degrees Celsius.
On October 31, partly cloudy conditions are forecast, with the minimum temperature settling at 18 degrees Celsius and the maximum rising to 29 degrees Celsius.
The weather is expected to turn clear on November 1, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 17 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius.
Clear skies are likely to continue on November 2, when the minimum temperature is forecast to dip to 16 degrees Celsius and the maximum to remain at 30 degrees Celsius.
Delhi is expected to experience clear weather again on November 3, with the minimum temperature at 16 degrees Celsius and the maximum at 30 degrees Celsius.
Mainly clear conditions are forecast to persist on November 4, with the minimum temperature remaining at 16 degrees Celsius and the maximum reaching 30 degrees Celsius.
With rain and thunderstorms possible over the next two days, residents are advised to follow updated local forecasts, particularly those planning outdoor activities or waiting for the moon to appear for Karwa Chauth rituals.