Strong winds and thunderstorms swept across Delhi-NCR on Sunday, bringing much-needed relief from the scorching heat that had gripped the region for weeks. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert, warning of more rain and gusty winds in the coming days.
Weather Conditions and Impact
The sudden change in weather began around late afternoon, with dark clouds gathering over the national capital and adjoining areas like Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad. Winds gusting up to 60 km/h accompanied the thunderstorms, causing dust storms in some parts. The maximum temperature dropped significantly from the mid-40s to around 35 degrees Celsius, offering respite to residents.
According to the IMD, the minimum temperature settled at 28.4 degrees Celsius, while the maximum was recorded at 35.2 degrees Celsius, three notches below normal. The relative humidity oscillated between 70% and 90%.
Orange Alert and Forecast
The IMD has placed Delhi under an orange alert for the next 48 hours, predicting generally cloudy skies with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms. The alert urges residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather. "Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are very likely at isolated places over Delhi and adjoining areas," the IMD said in its bulletin.
The weather office also warned of possible waterlogging in low-lying areas and advised commuters to exercise caution. The air quality improved significantly due to the rain, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 150 (moderate) from the 'very poor' category earlier this week.
Relief from Heatwave
The capital had been reeling under a severe heatwave for the past fortnight, with temperatures soaring above 45 degrees Celsius. The sudden downpour brought a sense of relief to residents, many of whom took to social media to share videos of rain and gusty winds. "Finally, some relief! The weather is pleasant after weeks of unbearable heat," said Ramesh Kumar, a resident of Dwarka.
The IMD attributed the change to a western disturbance affecting the region, coupled with moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal. This system is likely to persist for the next 2-3 days, keeping temperatures below normal.
Precautions and Advisory
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority has advised people to stay away from trees, hoardings, and unstable structures during the storm. Power supply companies have been put on alert to handle any outages caused by falling branches or lightning strikes. Farmers in nearby rural areas have been warned to protect their crops from potential damage due to hail and strong winds.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory for motorists, urging them to drive slowly and park vehicles in safe places. Several flights and trains were delayed due to poor visibility, but no major disruptions were reported.
The IMD orange alert remains in effect for Monday and Tuesday, with the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall. Residents are advised to follow weather updates and take necessary precautions.
