The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for large parts of Delhi, warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds over the next few hours as an active monsoon system moves across northwest India.
In its latest district-level nowcast, the IMD said moderate to heavy rain and thundershowers are likely across most parts of Delhi-NCR, including Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad, during the next two to three hours.
According to the weather office, heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is very likely over parts of East Delhi, Shahdara, Central Delhi, North East Delhi, New Delhi, South West Delhi, West Delhi and North Delhi. Several of these districts have been placed under the highest warning category, urging residents to take precautions.
Meanwhile, moderate rainfall with thunderstorms is expected over South East Delhi, East Delhi, Central Delhi, South Delhi, New Delhi, South West Delhi and West Delhi, while light rain is likely in parts of South Delhi.
The IMD has also warned of gusty surface winds reaching 30-40 kmph, which could reduce visibility, uproot weak trees and disrupt traffic during the passage of intense thunderstorms.
Latest INSAT-3DS satellite imagery shows a broad swathe of dense monsoon clouds stretching from central India into the northern plains, with deep convective cloud clusters developing over Delhi and adjoining regions.
The cloud bands are being supported by an active monsoon trough and abundant moisture flowing in from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
The fresh spell of rain is expected to provide relief from the humid conditions that have persisted over the National Capital Region over the past few days. However, it could also trigger waterlogging, traffic snarls and localised flooding, particularly in low-lying areas during the evening commute.
Residents have been advised to avoid taking shelter under isolated trees, stay away from waterlogged roads and secure loose outdoor objects as thunderstorms move through the region.
The latest warning comes as Delhi continues to battle a seasonal rainfall deficit despite the southwest monsoon’s recent revival across much of the country.
Meteorologists expect the ongoing spell to significantly improve rainfall over the capital while helping narrow the deficit in the coming days if widespread showers persist.
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