Is Delhi-NCR Ready for Rain and Thunderstorms Today?

Synopsis
Delhi-NCR is bracing for another stormy day as the IMD has issued an orange alert for thunderstorms and high winds. With unprecedented rainfall recorded this May, residents are urged to take precautions. Stay informed and prepared as dangerous weather conditions approach.
Key Takeaways
- IMD issues an orange alert for thunderstorms and high winds.
- Residents advised to stay indoors and secure outdoor items.
- May 2023 records 186.4 mm of rainfall, the wettest on record.
- Possible winds up to 70 km/h could disrupt normal activities.
- Monitor local updates for safety information.
New Delhi, May 30 (NationPress) The Delhi-NCR region is preparing for a day filled with rain and turbulent weather on Friday, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the area, indicating possible thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds with speeds of 50-60 km/h.
The IMD forecast suggests that the skies will remain partly cloudy throughout the day, with light to moderate rain anticipated across different parts of the city. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures may fall between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius.
This alert was escalated from yellow to orange due to observed increases in weather activity. On Thursday, several areas in Delhi experienced light rainfall and gusts of wind reaching up to 60 km/h.
According to the IMD, winds could intensify to 70 km/h on Friday, raising the chances of waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and minor infrastructural damage.
An orange alert indicates potentially severe weather conditions that may disrupt daily life, urging the public to stay alert and take necessary precautions. This alert is typically issued when heavy rainfall exceeding 115.6 mm and reaching up to 204.4 mm is forecasted within a 24-hour period.
This month, Delhi has recorded an extraordinary 186.4 mm of rainfall, marking it as the wettest May in the city's history. This unusual precipitation pattern is associated with the early onset of the southwest monsoon, which arrived in Kerala on May 24—one week earlier than usual—and reached Mumbai on May 26, significantly ahead of its typical start date of June 11.
While the monsoon usually affects Delhi around June 27, the IMD has not yet confirmed the expected arrival date in the capital this year. “We are closely monitoring the situation,” stated an IMD official.
On a different note, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ category on Thursday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 151 at 4 p.m., slightly worse than the previous day's 133.
The evening showers on Thursday provided temporary relief, but the rainfall was insufficient to significantly reduce the prevailing humidity and heat.
The IMD advises residents to remain indoors during stormy conditions, avoid taking shelter under trees, and secure any loose outdoor items to prevent accidents or damage.