The IMD has also forecast moderate thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 60-80 kmph in East Delhi, Shahdara, North East Delhi, South Delhi and adjoining areas. (Photo: PTI)

Rain alert in Delhi as weather department warns of storms, 100 kmph winds

The IMD has issued a red alert for parts of Delhi, warning of severe thunderstorms, rain, lightning and winds up to 100 kmph. The advisory follows Monday's dust storm and has raised concern over disruption, fallen trees and waterlogging.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Central and New Delhi may see severe storms with light rainfall
  • East and South districts face lightning and gusts reaching 80 kmph
  • Residents were told to stay indoors and avoid trees during activity

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a red alert for parts of Delhi, warning of severe thunderstorms, lightning, rain and squally winds of up to 100 kmph over the next few hours.

According to the weather department's district-level nowcast issued at 9.21 am, severe thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rainfall are very likely in parts of Central Delhi, New Delhi, West Delhi, South West Delhi and North Delhi. Wind speeds in these areas could range between 80 and 100 kmph.

The IMD has also forecast moderate thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 60-80 kmph in East Delhi, Shahdara, North East Delhi, South Delhi and adjoining areas.

The weather department advised residents to remain indoors during thunderstorm activity and avoid taking shelter under trees or near weak structures. People have also been urged to stay away from electric poles and water bodies during lightning activity.

The warning comes a day after strong dust storms and gusty winds swept across Delhi-NCR, disrupting normal life and reducing visibility in several parts of the national capital. Palam had recorded wind speeds of up to 92 kmph during Monday's storm.

The latest nowcast remains valid until 12.21 pm, with weather conditions expected to change rapidly across different parts of the city.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation amid concerns over traffic disruptions, fallen trees and localised waterlogging in low-lying areas if intense rainfall accompanies the thunderstorms.

- Ends