The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi and NCR for August 11 for rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds as monsoon activity is on the rise in northern India. It will be cloudy weather in the city, and light to moderate rainfall will affect traffic movement, daily commuting and outdoor activities in and around NCR.
As per the latest IMD forecast, Delhi will get one or two very light to light rain spells, while some localities may experience moderate rainfall in the morning and afternoon hours. There will be another round of showers during the evening and night, which will bring the weather down a bit but increase waterlogging in low-lying areas. Maximum temperatures around 33°C to 35°C and minimum temperatures between 23°C and 25°C will be relatively normal given this time of year.
The yellow alert is issued as a precautionary measure, and people should be cognizant of flooding in localised areas, traffic congestion and disruption caused by thunderstorms and lightning, the government said. Gusty winds could also accompany thunderstorms in parts of the city and local areas in NCR, weather officials warned. In severe rain, such a situation can cause temporary disruption to transportation and power supply.
For the first time in a long time, there has been rain in Delhi, a respite from humid conditions and high temperatures in recent days. Heavy rain has come back in the national capital in a hurry, and there are already showers in some parts of Delhi. The wet spell can last several more days. The monsoon activity is being fueled by favourable atmospheric conditions and moisture-laden winds in northwest India, and the weather forecast models indicate that it could continue to rain in Delhi and surrounding areas through August 16.
Commuters must plan carefully for their journey to minimise delays, especially during peak office hours when rain-induced traffic jams can be expected. Waterlogged areas will lead to slow traffic, and visibility will be affected during thunderstorms. Residents should avoid shelter under trees during lightning strikes and secure loose objects that could be affected by strong winds.
The IMD’s general forecast is that there will be a lot of rainfall in northern and central Indian states such as Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and parts of Madhya Pradesh in the next few days. Delhi will likely remain under the influence of this active monsoon system, with intermittent showers and cloudy weather. The weather department also says thunderstorms could bring lightning and strong winds in the area.
The rainfall should relieve a lot of heat and help to improve air quality, but officials have said weather advisories should be kept updated with warnings issued. Emergency response teams and local agencies are on the lookout for any incidents related to waterlogging, fallen trees or traffic disruptions.
The monsoon clouds still filling Delhi’s sky will continue to cover Delhi’s skies on August 11, likely marked by frequent showers, occasional thunderstorms and cooler weather. The yellow alert is a call for citizens to be careful and enjoy the soothing rain that has provided respite from humid weather conditions.
