Orange alert issued in Delhi as IMD predicts rain, thunderstorms

Delhi: An Orange Alert was issued for the national capital on Monday with rain and thunderstorms in the forecast.

Parts of Delhi experienced light showers early in the morning, bringing the minimum temperature down to 25.2 degrees Celsius — 1.4 degrees below the seasonal average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD forecast that the maximum temperature may rise to around 35 degrees Celsius, which remains relatively low for this time of year.

The Orange Alert, part of the IMD’s weather warning system, indicates that residents should stay alert and be prepared for potentially disruptive weather conditions.

Humidity levels stood at 80 per cent at 8:30 am, adding to the overall dampness in the atmosphere.

Delhi’s air quality was in the “satisfactory” range, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 95 recorded in the morning.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) defines AQI values between 51 and 100 as satisfactory.

Also Read: Delhi Fire Services stretched thin with surge in distress cases

According to the IMD, the city’s main weather station recorded wind speeds reaching up to 82 kilometres per hour and 81.2 mm of rain in a span of six hours between 11:30 PM on Saturday and 5:30 AM on Sunday.

In the meantime, Delhi registered its wettest May since record-keeping began in 1901, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The total rainfall for the month has now reached 186.4 mm, exceeding the previous record of 165 mm set in May 2008.

(With inputs from PTI)