IMD Issues Red Alert as Rain and Chill Grip All Delhi Districts

The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert across all districts of Delhi on Friday morning, warning of rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds following continuous overnight showers that triggered a sharp drop in temperatures.

According to the weather department's nowcast bulletin, the red alert was issued at 8:15 am and remained valid until 11:15 am. The forecast warned of light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across most places in the national capital, along with heavy rain at isolated locations.

The weather department also cautioned residents about strong surface winds blowing between 25 and 35 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 45 kmph during the morning hours.

Following the expiry of the short-duration red alert, the IMD placed Delhi under a yellow alert for the remainder of Friday. Under the yellow alert, the capital was forecast to see generally cloudy skies, one or two spells of very light to light rainfall across many places, and moderate rainfall at isolated locations, with morning and forenoon thunderstorms.

The persistent rainfall throughout Thursday night caused the mercury to fall sharply, resulting in Delhi's coldest October day in four years and setting the stage for the onset of winter chill.

The wet conditions also brought significant relief to Delhi's air quality. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index had remained above 200 in the poor category on Wednesday and Thursday before dropping to 133 in the moderate category by 4 am on Friday.

Weather conditions are projected to stabilise over the weekend. The IMD indicated that standard green codes have been issued for November 1 and November 2, when fair weather, clear skies, and stable atmospheric conditions are expected to return across all districts.