Delhi on Orange Alert as Thunderstorms, Gusty Winds Expected; Red Alert Issued for Parts of Himachal and MP

The national capital is bracing for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds in the next few hours, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for Delhi and its adjoining areas on Sunday.

According to the IMD, thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by gusty surface winds reaching speeds of 40 to 60 kmph are expected. The maximum temperature in Delhi is likely to settle around 33°C. This weather change follows a brief respite from the capital’s humid spell earlier in the day, with the minimum temperature recorded at 28.8°C—about 0.8 degrees below the seasonal average.

Delhi residents also woke up to cleaner air, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reporting a ‘satisfactory’ Air Quality Index (AQI) of 82 at around 9 am, thanks to the moisture-laden winds and overnight rain.

The IMD also predicted moderate rainfall across several other parts of the country, including Jammu & Kashmir, South Uttar Pradesh, South Haryana, Gujarat, southwest Bihar, Tripura, and parts of Maharashtra. Rainfall intensity in these regions is expected to range between 5 and 15 millimetres per hour.

In eastern Madhya Pradesh and adjoining Chhattisgarh, a red alert has been issued, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours. Authorities have been advised to remain vigilant for potential flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh continues to face the brunt of the monsoon, with persistent heavy rainfall leading to widespread destruction. Landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts have caused significant damage to infrastructure and public property across the hill state.

Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, Himachal Pradesh has reported 74 deaths, out of which 47 were directly linked to rain-related incidents such as cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods. Another 115 individuals have sustained injuries.

The IMD has issued a red alert for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur districts in the next few hours. Additionally, a moderate to high risk of flash floods has been forecast in several other districts, including Chamba, Kullu, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Shimla, and Solan.

With the intensity of the monsoon showing no signs of abating in the hilly regions and alerts issued for the northern plains, authorities have urged residents and travelers to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement in vulnerable zones, and stay updated with official advisories.

IT.