IMD Issues Yellow Alert in Delhi; Thunderstorms and Rain Likely Over the Next Few Hours
New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a ‘Yellow Alert’ for the national capital, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall and gusty winds across most parts of Delhi over the next few hours. The advisory comes amid changing weather conditions that have already brought light showers to several areas of the city earlier in the day.
According to the IMD, Delhi witnessed light rainfall on Tuesday morning, offering some respite from rising temperatures in recent days. The department reported that, as of 8:30 AM, different parts of the city recorded varying levels of precipitation over the previous 24 hours. Safdarjung, which serves as the city’s primary weather station, recorded 0.4 mm of rainfall. Palam received slightly higher rainfall at 1.4 mm, while Lodhi Road recorded 1 mm. Ayanagar saw the highest rainfall among the recorded stations with 3 mm. In contrast, the Ridge area reported negligible rainfall during the same period.
Meteorologists have indicated that the current weather pattern is influenced by localized atmospheric disturbances, which are conducive to the formation of thunderstorms and light rain. These conditions are expected to persist through the day, with intermittent spells of rain and gusty winds likely in several districts of Delhi. The ‘Yellow Alert’ serves as a cautionary signal, urging residents to remain aware of potential weather-related disruptions, although it does not indicate any severe or widespread threat.
The IMD has also highlighted that such weather conditions may lead to brief but intense spells of wind, which could affect visibility and cause minor inconveniences, particularly for commuters and those traveling during peak hours. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, especially while driving or commuting, as sudden changes in weather—such as strong winds and rain—can impact road conditions and traffic flow.
In terms of temperature, the minimum temperature recorded at Safdarjung on Tuesday morning stood at 20.1 degrees Celsius, which is marginally 0.1 degrees above the seasonal average. The relatively mild temperature, combined with cloud cover and rainfall, has contributed to a more pleasant start to the day compared to the warmer conditions experienced earlier.
Looking ahead, the IMD has forecast that similar weather conditions are likely to continue into Wednesday. The department has predicted thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rainfall in parts of the city, indicating that the brief spell of wet and windy weather may extend beyond just one day. This could help maintain relatively moderate temperatures in the short term.
Weather experts suggest that such pre-monsoon activity is not uncommon during this time of year, as changing wind patterns and moisture levels in the atmosphere create favorable conditions for thunderstorms. While these spells are generally short-lived, they can bring temporary relief from heat and improve air quality by reducing dust and pollutants in the air.
Overall, while no severe weather is anticipated, the IMD’s advisory underscores the importance of staying informed and prepared for sudden weather changes. Citizens are encouraged to keep track of official updates and plan their activities accordingly to avoid inconvenience.
