Strong winds lashed parts of the Delhi-National Capital region on Saturday evening, bringing much-needed relief from the sweltering heat as dark clouds shrouded the capital after days of hot and humid weather.
As weather conditions intensified, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a district-wide warning at 4.10 pm, warning of moderate thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 41-61 kmph.
The nowcast remained valid till 7.10 pm in several parts of Delhi.
Read also | The heat wave raises the temperature in Delhi to 51 degrees Celsius, which is the highest this year. Possibility of rain starting Monday
What is an orange alert?
The orange warning is the second highest weather warning from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), and is issued when hazardous weather is expected to cause disruptions to daily life.
It signals residents and authorities to “prepare” for adverse conditions such as thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rains and strong winds that may lead to traffic disruptions, waterlogging, damage to vulnerable buildings and fallen trees.
People are advised to take necessary precautions and avoid unnecessary movement outdoors during the alert period.
Read also | Rain and gusty winds cool Delhi, with the city recording its cleanest air day since October 8
IMD forecast for Delhi and surrounding areas
The IMD has forecast scattered rains over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Punjab from June 27 to July 2. Similar conditions are expected in western Uttar Pradesh from June 29 to July 3, eastern Uttar Pradesh from June 27 to 30, and across eastern and western Rajasthan between June 27 and July 3.
Rainfall activity is expected to intensify over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Punjab on July 3, with fairly widespread rainfall likely. Eastern Uttar Pradesh is also likely to witness widespread rainfall from July 1 to 3.
The MeT department has also forecast scattered thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Punjab from July 1 to 3.
Similar conditions are likely to occur in western Uttar Pradesh from June 30 to July 3, and in eastern Uttar Pradesh and eastern Rajasthan from June 27 to July 3. The western state of Rajasthan is expected to witness gusty winds of between 30 and 40 kilometers per hour, with speeds reaching 50 kilometers per hour, during the same period.
Meanwhile, heatwave conditions are likely to persist in isolated pockets of Bihar, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi on June 27-28.
Eastern Uttar Pradesh is expected to witness heatwave conditions from June 27-30, with severe heatwave conditions on June 27-28. Western Uttar Pradesh is also likely to witness heatwave conditions from June 27-29, with severe conditions in isolated areas on June 27-28.
