Delhi-NCR gets relief as IMD issues yellow alert for rain, thunderstorms
After enduring days of intense heat, Delhi-NCR experienced widespread rainfall on Tuesday, bringing significant relief from the prevailing heatwave conditions. The pleasant weather persisted into Wednesday morning, with many parts of the national capital witnessing light showers and a noticeable drop in temperatures.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Wednesday, indicating the likelihood of moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in isolated areas. A yellow alert is a warning for potentially deteriorating weather conditions, urging residents to stay cautious. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 32 degrees Celsius, while the minimum was recorded at 25.4 degrees Celsius at the Safdarjung observatory — 2.5 degrees below the normal for this time of year.
According to IMD data, Safdarjung, the city's base weather station, recorded 14.2 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on Wednesday. The sudden change in weather has brought much-needed respite from the heatwave that had gripped the region over the past weeks, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius on multiple days.
The IMD has advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorms and avoid venturing out unnecessarily. Farmers in the surrounding areas have welcomed the rain as beneficial for standing crops, though waterlogging in low-lying parts of the city may cause temporary inconvenience. The weather department expects the rain activity to continue for the next 24 to 48 hours, with a gradual improvement thereafter.
This rainfall event is a typical pre-monsoon pattern, often bringing short-term relief before the monsoon's official onset. The IMD has been monitoring the monsoon progression closely, and such showers are considered part of the seasonal transition. Authorities have also been alerted to manage any potential urban flooding, given the city's drainage challenges.
