Red, Orange, Yellow, Green Alert: What Do Different IMD Warning Colours Signify?

JE News Desk:  Several parts of the country have been reeling under rain. Red and Orange alerts have also been issued for Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Uttrakhand. Assam too is facing the wrath of monsoon as flood waters have submerged 67 villages under 4 revenue circles of the Lakhimpur district.

Meanwhile, the different colours of alerts issued by the weather department signify different levels of danger. There are four codes under which the IMD issues alerts- Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red.

When Does The Weather Department Issues These Alerts?

The Green rainfall alert is when any place or region receives less than 64 mm of rain in 24 hours. A Yellow alert is issued when the expected rainfall is between 64.5 mm and 115. 5 mm. An Orange alert is for a rainfall range between 115.6 to 204.4 mm in a day, and a Red alert means the area is likely to receive 204.5 mm of rainfall in a 24-hour duration.

The alerts outline how people in the affected areas should react in the prevailing situation and there are certain factors that decide the issuing of these warnings. While wind speed determines the alert given during thunderstorms, the range of visibility becomes the determining factor under foggy situations.

When issuing an alert for a dust storm, wind speed and visibility are both taken into account.

What Do These Codes Signify?

Green (No Warning) -  A Green warning signifies that although a weather event may occur, no advise needs to be issued. 

Yellow (Be Updated) -  A yellow alert means there is a chance that the current bad weather will get worse, which could disrupt regular activities. 

Orange (Be Prepared) -  An Orange alert is issued in case of extremely bad weather. It affects the transport facilities including rail, road, and air. A power outrage can also be caused due to bad weather. 

Red (Take Action) - A Red alert not only signifies transport disruptions and power-cut, but it also poses a threat to life.