Rain lashed parts of the National Capital Region on Monday, even as the India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for Delhi and its surrounding areas.
The Meteorological Department, in its advisory, has now said that light rain along with thunderstorms and lightning are expected in Delhi and the National Capital Region. A moderate dust storm is likely to occur, with wind speeds of 50-70 km/h, according to the IMD. The orange alert will remain in effect until 6 p.m.
The IMD earlier today issued yellow alerts across parts of India, including Delhi-National Capital, warning of light rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds on Monday. Moreover, there are chances of scattered light rain showers on Tuesday as well.
Experts said that rain was recorded on Sunday along the Himalayas and parts of northern Punjab, but it eluded most of the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. “We saw gusty winds in Rajasthan as well, but in Delhi, the weather remained mostly clear, resulting in the maximum rising quickly,” said Mahesh Palawat, Vice President, Skymet. Despite the yellow alert in Delhi, the capital remained sunny, with temperatures rising rapidly during the day.
Rain caused by western disturbances
Rain fell on Monday due to a fresh western disturbance that affected northwest India on Sunday. Another western disturbance is also likely on April 2, with very light rain likely in Delhi on April 3-4.
Palawat said there are chances of rain in Delhi on Monday during the day, before these western disturbances start weakening again. He added that there is a fairly cool start to April, saying: “We will then see another western disturbance around April 2 and 3, followed by another disturbance between April 6 and 9, so the temperature is unlikely to rise very quickly.”
Meanwhile, amateur meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya said recurring western disturbances were likely to continue next month, with heatwaves halting until the end of April.
