IMD issues yellow alert for rain and thunderstorms in Delhi as temperatures surge
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and forecast multiple spells of light to moderate rain across Delhi, including North Delhi, East Delhi, North East Delhi, Shahdara, and New Delhi, through Thursday. The weather warning comes as the city experienced its highest July minimum temperature in two years, recording 30°C on Tuesday morning.
The IMD forecast very light to light rain at many places and moderate rain at isolated locations during the forenoon or afternoon on Tuesday and Thursday. These spells are expected to be accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds. Another spell of light to moderate rain is also likely during the night on both days.
While no yellow alert was issued for Wednesday, very light to light rain accompanied by thunderstorms is still expected. The wet weather is projected to continue into Friday and Saturday with very light to light rain.
At 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, the IMD issued a yellow alert for the entire city, stating that light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning was very likely over parts of North Delhi, East Delhi, North East Delhi, and Shahdara. Meanwhile, very light to light rain with thunderstorms was forecast for North West Delhi, Central Delhi, South East Delhi, South West Delhi, West Delhi, South Delhi, and New Delhi.
The rain is expected to bring some relief from the high temperatures. Tuesday's maximum temperature was expected to remain between 34°C and 36°C, down from Monday's maximum of 38.6°C, which was the highest July maximum temperature recorded in the city in two years. The IMD expects the rain to lower maximum temperatures further to 32°C–34°C on Wednesday and Thursday, before they gradually rise again to 36°C–38°C by Sunday.
Despite the forecast of rain, Delhi residents faced high humidity and heat index levels on Tuesday morning. At 8:30 a.m., the real-feel temperature, or heat index, was recorded at 44.7°C, compared to an actual temperature of 32.3°C, due to a relative humidity level of 79%. The wet-bulb temperature, which measures the body's ability to cool itself, was recorded at 29°C at the same time.
