The residents of Delhi and other nearby cities, including Noida and Gurugram, witnessed heavy rain along with thunderstorms and gusty winds on Sunday, providing relief from the scorching heat.
Although the monsoon season officially began in Delhi on July 2, the rain received was light and erratic. It had no pattern of heavy downpour, just light and occasional showers in various parts. The fresh spell of rain is expected to reduce the temperature and provide much-needed relief to the residents.
IMD Forecast For Delhi-NCR
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Delhi, predicting light to moderate rain with moderate thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds to blow at a speed of 40-50 kmph, with speeds reaching 60 kmph over a few places of the national capital.
While the maximum temperature is likely to be recorded at 35 degrees Celsius, the minimum temperature is expected to remain around 29 degrees Celsius.
According to the IMD's district-level nowcast, Central Delhi, New Delhi, North Delhi, North West Delhi, South Delhi, South East Delhi, South West Delhi, West Delhi, East Delhi, Shahdara and North East Delhi are likely to witness moderate rain and thunderstorms. Light rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and winds of 30-40 kmph is also expected over the remaining parts of the city.
Residents were urged by the weather department to stay indoors during thunderstorms, stay away from trees, not to take refuge at the base of trees, keep a safe distance from electrical poles, rivers and bodies of water, switch off all electric appliances and stay away from travelling unless necessary due to the likelihood of waterlogging, traffic jams and poor visibility in case of heavy rain.
The IMD had also issued that the southwest monsoon would remain active and there may be chances of continued rainfall activity over the Delhi NCR region and northwestern part of the country for the coming few days.