The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued a “red alert” for severe thunderstorms and hail for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), with some parts of the national capital on “orange” alert as residents were advised to be prepared for potentially disruptive weather conditions.
A “red” alert means “take action”, indicating severe weather conditions.
According to the IMD, severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail, dust storms and light rainfall along with gusty winds of up to 80 kmph are very likely over the city, while some areas are likely to witness moderate thunderstorm activity.
Read also | Delhi Weather Update: IMD predicts temperature to touch 40°C next week
Red Warning for Thunderstorm in Delhi-NCR
The weather agency said a ‘red’ alert has been issued for outer North Delhi, North West Delhi, West Delhi, South West Delhi, parts of North Delhi, Central Delhi, North East Delhi and Shahdara, while South Delhi, South East Delhi and parts of North Delhi remain under an ‘orange’ alert. Similar stormy conditions are also likely at isolated places at various places in Delhi-NCR.
The IMD warned of likely impacts, saying it could include snapping of large tree branches, uprooting of weak or old trees and lightning strikes at vulnerable locations such as tall trees and power poles, and disruption of utility services.
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It further said, “Damage to kutcha houses, huts and weak structures, partial collapse of boundary walls, difficult driving conditions and possible road accidents are also likely. Vehicles may also be damaged by falling branches or debris.”
The IMD asks that they avoid sheltering under trees
Residents were advised to move to safe buildings, avoid weak structures and stay away from windows during the storm.
Authorities warned against hiding under trees or near bodies of water, and advised people to unplug electrical appliances and avoid contact with metal objects, faucets and pipes. People were also asked to park their vehicles in safe places, and if caught during the storm, stop safely while driving and stay in the vehicle.
They were also advised to stay away from power poles and power lines and be on the lookout for flying debris, officials said.
Yellow alert issued in Delhi-NCR
The red alert warning came hours after the IMD issued a yellow alert for the capital for several hours, warning of rain, thunderstorms and winds of up to 50 kmph in isolated parts of the city.
Till 8 am on Sunday, light rainfall was recorded in parts of the city in the last 24 hours, with Safdarjung receiving 0.6 mm, Palam 0.7 mm and Ridge 0.6 mm. Lodi Road and Ayanagar saw traces of rainfall.
No heat wave in Delhi in next few days: IMD
Bringing much relief to the people of Delhi, an IMD official told PTI, “No heat waves are likely over Delhi for the next few days. Thunderstorm activity with rain and generally cloudy skies is expected to continue till May 6, followed by partly cloudy skies till May 9.”
Read also | IMD reports northwest temperature peak, heatwave warning for Vidarbha, Rajasthan
Weather forecast for Monday
With rain forecast on Monday, the minimum temperature should be around 25 degrees Celsius, the maximum around 37 degrees Celsius.
Additionally, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 175 and fell under the ‘moderate’ category. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 as “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 as “moderate”, 201 and 300 as “poor”, 301 and 400 as “very bad” and “00401”.
