National Desk: Tuesday morning brought a major weather shift for Delhi and its surrounding areas. Rain accompanied by strong winds not only caused a sharp drop in temperatures but also disrupted normal life. Considering the severity of the situation, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for several parts of the national capital.
Alert Details: Which Areas Face What Kind of Risk?
The IMD has divided Delhi into two zones and advised caution accordingly:
Red Alert (Severe Risk):
North, North-West, Central, North-East, and West Delhi are likely to witness heavy rain with intense thunderstorms, hailstorms, and strong winds reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h.
Orange Alert (Be Alert):
Moderate rainfall has been forecast for South Delhi, New Delhi, Shahdara, and East Delhi.
Impact on Uttar Pradesh:
Several districts of western Uttar Pradesh, including Noida, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Agra, and Mathura, are also expected to receive rain and hailstorms.
Relief from Pollution, But Cold to Intensify
On Tuesday morning, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 310 (Very Poor). Experts believe that the rainfall will help improve air quality and clear pollutants from the atmosphere. However, due to persistent clouds and rain, cold day–like conditions may prevail, making the cold feel more severe.
Important Advisory for Travelers
If you are planning to step out, keep these points in mind:
Air Travel:
Airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have issued alerts. Poor visibility may lead to flight delays or cancellations. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Road Traffic:
Rain and hail may cause waterlogging and traffic congestion on major roads.
Weather Tomorrow:
On Wednesday, cloudy skies are expected to persist, with moderate to dense fog likely during the morning hours.
Temperature Forecast at a Glance
| City | Maximum Temp | Minimum Temp | Weather Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 18°C | 11°C | Cloudy, foggy, rain |
| Noida | 19°C | 9°C | Light rain and fog |
| Ghaziabad | 19°C | 9°C | Strong winds and cloudy skies |
| Lucknow | 22°C | 11°C | Partly cloudy |
Residents are advised to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official weather updates.
