The National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining northern plains have been placed on high alert for severe thunderstorm activity, gusty winds, and hailstorms as the remnants of Cyclone Arnab weaken into a deep depression, triggering widespread precipitation across at least six states.

Meteorological authorities reported that the cyclonic system, which made landfall along the coastal belt and gradually lost intensity as it moved inland, is now interacting with an active Western Disturbance over northwest India. This confluence of moisture-laden easterly winds and upper-tropospheric westerly troughs has created intense atmospheric instability across the northern and central belts.

Widespread Rainfall and Thunderstorms Across Northern Plains

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued orange and yellow weather advisories covering Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, western Uttar Pradesh, and northern Madhya Pradesh. Forecasters warned that several pockets could experience sudden cloudburst-like intense spells accompanied by sustained squalls clocking speeds between 40 km/h and 60 km/h.

In Delhi-NCR, overcast conditions gave way to intermittent drizzle before atmospheric cooling signaled the onset of severe localized convective storms. Municipal agencies across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad have been instructed to clear drainage bottlenecks and keep pumping stations operational to prevent urban waterlogging.

Key regional impacts include:

* Delhi-NCR: Widespread light-to-moderate showers, localized hail activity, and sharp drops in daytime maximum temperatures. * Punjab and Haryana: Scattered heavy downpours with isolated hailstorms posing risks to maturing rabi crops. * Rajasthan: Intense convective dust-thunderstorms transitioning into heavy spells in northern and eastern districts. * Uttar Pradesh & Madhya Pradesh: Persistent overcast skies, widespread rainfall, and strong surface winds disrupting transport corridors.

Impact on Agriculture and Standing Crops

Agricultural scientists and state agriculture departments have voiced serious concern over the untimely hailstorm warning. Farmers across Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh are in the critical phase of the winter harvest cycle, with standing wheat, mustard, and horticulture crops highly vulnerable to lodging and mechanical damage caused by hail stones and strong wind gusts.

District administrations have advised farmers to postpone irrigation and fertilizer spraying, ensure effective drainage in waterlogged fields, and safeguard harvested produce lying in open wholesale mandis.

Urban Infrastructure and Aviation Advisories

Civil aviation authorities and airport operators in northern India have alerted ground crews to prepare for potential delays, holding patterns, and diversions. Severe crosswinds and low visibility conditions during convective squalls often impede approach paths at major hubs including the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

Power distribution utilities have placed emergency rapid-response teams on standby to tackle localized disruptions caused by fallen trees, snapped overhead cables, and damaged distribution transformers.

Disaster management authorities have advised residents across affected districts to remain indoors during peak squall hours, avoid sheltering under tall trees or vulnerable temporary structures, and unplug sensitive electrical equipment during active lightning phases.