IMD issues orange alert as rain hits national capital (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: Residents of Delhi may finally get relief from the scorching summer conditions as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Thursday, warning of thunderstorms, rainfall and strong winds across the national capital and surrounding NCR regions.
According to the weather department, the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy during the day, with dense cloud formations likely to develop by the afternoon. Light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is also expected in several areas.
The IMD has predicted wind speeds ranging between 60 and 70 kmph during the evening and night hours, which could bring a noticeable change in weather conditions. While daytime temperatures are expected to remain high, rainfall and cloud cover may help ease the prevailing heat.
Delhi recorded a temperature of 31°C at 7 am on Thursday. A day earlier, the city witnessed a maximum temperature of 42.4°C and a minimum of 22.9°C. For Thursday, the IMD has forecast maximum temperatures between 40°C and 42°C, while the minimum is expected to remain between 24°C and 26°C.
Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 171 on Thursday, placing it in the moderate category. However, pollution levels varied significantly across different parts of the city.
Among the areas with higher pollution readings were Anand Vihar (310), Narela (262), Wazirpur (241) and Rohini (228), indicating poor air quality conditions. In contrast, Patparganj recorded an AQI of 80, reflecting relatively cleaner air.
Across the NCR, AQI levels remained largely in the moderate range, with Faridabad at 148, Gurugram at 152, Ghaziabad at 142, Greater Noida at 138 and Noida at 133.
The IMD has also indicated that the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Delhi between June 25 and June 30, raising hopes for sustained relief from the prolonged summer heat in the coming weeks.
