The weather in the national capital took a drastic turn on January 27, bringing heavy showers and strong winds across the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has active alerts in place, including a Red Alert for specific zones in Delhi due to an intense Western Disturbance. Residents witnessed dark skies and a significant drop in temperature as rains lashed the city.
Which areas are under Red Alert in Delhi?
According to the IMD, a Red Alert has been issued for North Delhi, North-West Delhi, West Delhi, South-West Delhi, Central Delhi, and North-East Delhi. These areas are facing heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds ranging from 40 to 60 km/h. There is also a possibility of hail in some pockets of these regions.
What do Orange and Yellow Alerts mean for other areas?
The weather department has categorized the alerts based on intensity for different parts of the NCR. The warnings remain valid until the early afternoon hours.
| Alert Level | Areas Covered | Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Red Alert | North, West, Central, North-East Delhi | Heavy rain, winds 40-60 km/h, hail |
| Orange Alert | South-East, South, New Delhi, Shahdara, East Delhi | Moderate rain with thunder |
| Yellow Alert | Overall Delhi-NCR | Light to moderate rain, lightning, winds up to 50 km/h |
How are traffic and flight operations impacted?
The sudden downpour has led to waterlogging in several parts of the city, affecting traffic flow on major roads. Airlines have also issued warnings regarding flight disruptions due to the bad weather. Passengers have been advised to check their flight status before leaving for the airport to avoid inconvenience.
How much has the temperature dropped?
Following the rains, the maximum temperature in Delhi has dropped to around 18-19°C, while the minimum temperature is hovering near 9°C, increasing the chill factor. The rain initially impacted the Air Quality Index (AQI), which was recorded at 281 in the ‘poor’ category, though it showed signs of fluctuation.
What is the advisory for the public?
The IMD has advised citizens to stay cautious and avoid open areas during thunderstorms to stay safe from lightning and falling debris. The strong winds can cause minor damage to loose structures, so people are urged to stay indoors during the peak weather activity.
