Delhi Weather Today: IMD issues red alert for thunderstorm and rain as dust storm hits state capital | Today’s news
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a red alert for thunderstorms and rain in Delhi after the weather took an unexpected turn and a dust storm accompanied by strong winds swept through parts of the city.
The weather agency said a dust storm followed by a thunderstorm with light to moderate rainfall, lightning and gusty winds of 70-90 km/h was very likely across the capital. Palam recorded winds of 50 knots (92 km/h) at 2:30 p.m.
The IMD also expects light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds of 60-70 kmph with gusts of up to 80 kmph in several parts of the capital.
Delhi is witnessing light rain
The red alert came after the city received light rainfall during the morning hours. Palam recorded 1.3 mm of rainfall while Ayanagar received 0.6 mm. Lodhi Road reported traces of rain.
Earlier today, the weather agency has forecast light to moderate rain/thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and winds of 60-70 kmph, gusts up to 80 kmph, very likely over parts of Southeast Delhi, East Delhi, Central Delhi, Northeast Delhi, South Delhi, Southwest Delhi, West Delhi, Northwest Delhi, North Delhi and Shadar.
Temperature in Delhi
Despite light rains, the minimum temperature remained above normal in several parts of the national capital. According to the IMD, the Safdarjung observatory, the city’s main weather station, recorded a minimum temperature of 28.2 degrees Celsius, 0.7 degrees above normal.
The minimum temperature at Palam was lower, recording 25.4 degrees Celsius, while Lodhi Road and Ridge stations recorded 26 degrees Celsius and 25.5 degrees Celsius. Ayanagar recorded a minimum of 26.6 degrees Celsius.
Western unrest causes sudden change: Experts
News agency PTI, quoting weather experts, said the sudden change can be attributed to the Western Disturbance currently affecting the Himalayan region. Experts added that its impact is likely to weaken from Tuesday, after which temperatures are likely to rise again.
Speaking to ANI, IMD scientist Naresh Kumar said, “For the past few days, there has been continuous change in weather in northwest India due to Western Disturbance… Today, an orange alert has been issued in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan due to Western Disturbance over North Pakistan. Light rain is expected in these areas. Wind speed will be 0 km/h and yellow storm may occur. It has been issued for moderate rain in delhi with wind speed of 40-50 kmph NW India may be hit by another western disturbance from 18th which may bring rain to Delhi, we have predicted light rain on 20th and 21st.
IndiGo issues travel advisory
IndiGo has issued a travel advisory after the weather conditions in Delhi took an unexpected turn. In a post on X, the airline said, “Due to adverse weather conditions in Delhi, flight operations are affected.” He added: “We understand that extended waiting times, both on the ground and on board, can cause inconvenience and we sincerely appreciate your patience.”
A similar advisory was issued by SpiceJet today. A social media post said, “Due to bad weather (rain) in Delhi (DEL) all departures/arrivals and their onward flights may be affected.”
Parvesh Verma controls the control room
Delhi Chief Minister Parvesh Verma on Monday inspected the control room ahead of the monsoon season. Speaking to ANI, he said, “We checked the control room before the monsoon… To ensure that the situation we saw in 2023 does not recur, our department and administration are monitoring every single measure…”
