Severe Weather Alert Issued for Delhi and NCR: Rain and High Winds Expected
Weather Warning for Delhi and NCR
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), predicting light to moderate rainfall along with strong winds reaching speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour. The alert, released at 12:45 PM on Tuesday, indicates that weather activity is expected within the next two hours, with the possibility of hail in some areas between 4 PM and 5 PM. Additionally, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for both Tuesday and Wednesday, forecasting light to moderate rain in the city. Although no color-coded alerts are expected from Thursday onwards, intermittent rain is likely to continue, ensuring a wet week without any heat waves.
Rainfall in Delhi-NCR
On Tuesday, several regions in Delhi-NCR experienced rainfall, providing some relief from the sweltering heat. Earlier, the IMD had issued a red alert for Delhi and surrounding areas, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by hail, moderate to heavy rainfall, and winds gusting between 50 to 70 kilometers per hour. The IMD also provided safety advisories for the public regarding potential storm conditions.
Safety Advisories from IMD
According to the weather department's advisories, there is a risk to life from lightning strikes, especially in open areas. Traffic disruptions and delays in air or train services may occur. There are also concerns for livestock and individuals working outdoors. The public is advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. To prevent electric shocks, it is recommended to turn off electrical appliances. People are cautioned against seeking shelter under trees or metal structures and using mobile phones outdoors during thunderstorms.
Recommendations for Farmers and Outdoor Workers
Farmers and those working outside are urged to cease their activities immediately and seek safe shelter. The IMD encourages individuals to obtain official updates through its website and reliable media sources. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature in the national capital on Tuesday was recorded at 29 degrees Celsius, which is 1.5 degrees above the seasonal average, with a relative humidity of 71% noted at 8:30 AM.
Temperature Forecast and Alerts
The IMD forecasts that the maximum temperature may reach 34 degrees Celsius. Previously, a yellow alert was issued for the national capital until Thursday, predicting thunderstorms, lightning, and light to moderate rain with winds of 50 to 60 kilometers per hour.
Understanding Weather Alerts
The weather department employs a color-coded system for issuing alerts: Green (no action required), Yellow (monitor closely), Orange (be prepared), and Red (action/assistance needed). According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality in the city was rated satisfactory on Tuesday morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 96 recorded at 9 AM. The CPCB categorizes AQI levels as follows: 0-50 is 'Good', 51-100 is 'Satisfactory', 101-200 is 'Moderate', 201-300 is 'Poor', 301-400 is 'Very Poor', and 401-500 is 'Severe'.