Rain, Thunderstorm Alert in Delhi: IMD Issues Orange Warning Amid Record May Rainfall
New Delhi, May 30 – Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) should brace for more stormy weather today as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and strong surface winds reaching up to 70 km/h.
This heightened alert comes after parts of Delhi experienced gusty winds and scattered rainfall on Thursday. The IMD has upgraded the previous yellow alert to orange, indicating a moderate to high likelihood of disruption to daily life due to severe weather conditions.
IMD Forecast: Heavy Winds, Rain, and Cloudy Skies
The IMD’s weather bulletin indicates that partly cloudy skies will dominate the day, with light to moderate rain expected across several areas in the city. Maximum temperatures are forecast to range between 36°C and 38°C, while minimum temperatures could drop to between 26°C and 28°C.
Winds may intensify during the day, potentially reaching speeds of 60–70 km/h, raising concerns about traffic slowdowns, power outages, and minor infrastructure damage.
“Citizens should avoid outdoor activities during peak storm hours, stay indoors, and secure loose objects,” an IMD official advised.
What an Orange Alert Means
The orange alert — the second-highest level in the IMD’s color-coded system — is issued when significant weather disturbances are expected. This includes rainfall exceeding 115.6 mm but less than 204.4 mm in a 24-hour period, alongside potential hazards like urban flooding, tree falls, and visibility reduction on roads.
Wettest May in Delhi’s History
Delhi has already witnessed 186.4 mm of rainfall in May — an all-time high for the month, according to IMD data. This unprecedented surge is linked to the early onset of the southwest monsoon, which arrived in Kerala on May 24, nearly a week ahead of schedule, and Mumbai on May 26, well before the usual June 11 timeline.
While Delhi typically welcomes the monsoon by June 27, officials have yet to announce a projected arrival date this year.
“We are monitoring its progress closely,” said an IMD spokesperson.
Impact on Air Quality and Daily Life
The rains have brought temporary relief from the heat but have not yet managed to bring down the overall humidity. Meanwhile, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 151 on Thursday afternoon, falling under the ‘moderate’ category. This is slightly worse than the AQI of 133 recorded the previous day.
Despite scattered showers, high moisture levels and intermittent sunshine are keeping the heat index elevated, making conditions feel warmer and more uncomfortable.
Safety Precautions for Residents
The IMD has urged citizens to take necessary precautions:
- Avoid sheltering under trees during storms
- Secure loose items like pots, signs, or tarpaulin sheets
- Stay updated through official weather bulletins
- Minimize travel during peak storm hours
Authorities are also preparing for waterlogging and traffic congestion in low-lying areas, which often become bottlenecks during heavy rainfall.
Climate Shift Reflected in Unseasonal Rain
Experts say Delhi’s extreme May weather is part of a broader trend of climate unpredictability. Sudden temperature fluctuations, early monsoon movements, and record rainfall levels reflect shifting monsoon patterns influenced by global warming.