Delhi Weather Update: IMD issues orange alert for thunderstorms, hail; relief from heat wave | Today’s news
Good news for Delhiites! The capital city is likely to get a respite from the severe heat wave today as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday predicted moderate to severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and isolated hailstorms in the evening.
According to IMD officials, light to moderate rainfall is expected in several parts of the city, while strong winds may blow at a speed of 50-60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph.
Read also | Delhi Temperature Tomorrow: Heat wave to continue, orange alert issued
The meteorological agency also noted that intense thunderstorm activity over several parts of South Haryana, adjoining Delhi, and the entire National Capital Region (NCR) are likely to be affected due to strong winds reaching speeds of up to 80 kmph, accompanied by hail and dust storms.
Thunderstorm activity begins in parts of Rajasthan
“Thunderstorm activity has already started over northern parts of Rajasthan and is expected to extend to Delhi by evening and continue overnight,” Skymet’s Mahesh Palawat said, PTI reported.
He further said that the intensity of storms is likely to increase tomorrow and the spell is expected to continue till May 30. A weather system is expected to move towards Gujarat from May 30.
“The current period of pre-monsoon rains is likely to be stronger than the pre-monsoon showers witnessed in Delhi earlier this month and in April, leading to widespread rainfall activities across the city,” Palawat said.
The weather activity is driven by a Western Disturbance over the hills, an induced cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan and surrounding areas as well as moist winds from the Bay of Bengal which have increased moisture and humidity over the city.
Read also | Delhi heat wave so intense that ladoos melt into ‘halwa’ in viral video.
The maximum temperature is expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius, according to the IMD.
Heat wave conditions will be less severe
In its post on X, the IMD gave an update on heat conditions: “Prevailing heat wave to severe heat wave is likely to disappear from many parts of northwest India from today; however, it is likely to continue over some parts of Rajasthan, Vidarbha and East Madhya Pradesh and reduce significantly from tomorrow.”
IMD has issued a yellow alert for heat wave in Delhi
Earlier this week, the Met Office issued a yellow warning for the capital and predicted scorching conditions for the next three days, with daytime temperatures expected to remain between 44 and 46 degrees Celsius. According to reports, the yellow alert came a day after the capital witnessed a brief spell of overcast skies and a passing dust storm over the weekend, providing a momentary respite to exhausted Delhi residents.
Color-coded IMD weather alerts explained
The Met Office uses four color codes for the Weather Warning System to simplify complicated weather data. In issuing these warnings, citizens can determine the level of risk associated with upcoming weather conditions.
The color codes used by the IMD to indicate alerts are: red, yellow, orange and green. Under a green alert, the weather is normal and the agency is not issuing any advisories for citizens. A yellow alert means there is a possibility of activity. Simply put, it encourages residents to be informed. If the agency issues an orange alert, it’s to let residents know they need to prepare because the risk of weather activity is increasing. A red alert is the most severe weather warning that poses a significant risk to life and property.
