NEW DELHI: Heavy rain lashed several parts of Delhi-NCR on Thursday, with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds sweeping across the region.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for the national capital.The weather department forecast rainfall of 5-15 mm per hour, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds blowing at 40-60 kmph.The alert remained in force until 2 pm, with intermittent spells of rain expected in several parts of Delhi, the IMD said.The minimum temperature in the city settled at 23.3 degrees Celsius, 3.7 degrees above normal. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 29 degrees Celsius, bringing down daytime temperatures, it said.Experts attributed the sudden spell of rain to a western disturbance and a cyclonic circulation over adjoining areas.They said the conditions were part of a normal post-monsoon weather pattern, with Delhi and other parts of the region likely to receive intermittent showers.

(With Agency Inputs)