IMD Issues Highest-Level Weather Warning (Image: Internet)
New Delhi: Capital woke up to showers on Thursday, but the weather situation soon turned serious as the IMD issued a red alert for Delhi. The 6:45 am nowcast warned of moderate thunderstorms, lightning and squally winds blowing at 69-80 kmph, with gusts possibly touching 100 kmph.
IMD Nowcast Signals Intense Weather
According to the alert, light to moderate rain is expected at most places in Delhi, while many areas may receive moderate rainfall. The warning is short-range and localised, which means the impact could be felt in the immediate hours.
Rain Likely To Spread Across NCR
Earlier morning showers were uneven, but weather trackers indicated that stronger rain activity had started over northwest Delhi and Gurugram. The rain belt is expected to cover parts of Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and other NCR areas. Low-lying locations may face waterlogging if the spell turns intense.
Strong Winds Raise Safety Concerns
The biggest concern is not just rain, but the wind speed. Gusts up to 100 kmph can damage weak structures, hoardings, temporary sheds and trees. Residents have been advised to avoid stepping out during the storm, keep away from electric poles and secure loose objects kept on rooftops or balconies.
Monsoon Activity Picks Up
The red alert comes at a time when monsoon conditions are strengthening around Delhi-NCR. The wider Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi belt is also under watch for heavy rain activity in the coming days.
Several States Also On Alert
Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and eastern Rajasthan remain under an orange alert due to the risk of extremely heavy rain and landslides. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand are also witnessing active monsoon conditions.
UP Reports Rain-Linked Deaths
Uttar Pradesh has reported eight rain-related deaths in the previous 24 hours, mostly due to lightning strikes. Fatalities were reported from Sultanpur, Moradabad, Ballia, Varanasi and Aligarh, highlighting the wider danger of the ongoing monsoon spell.
