Weather Update: Thunderstorms, Rain and Strong Winds Put North India on Alert

New Delhi: The weather took a sudden turn in the national capital Delhi and NCR on Thursday night. After the day's scorching heat, strong storm, thunder and rain gave relief to the people, but in view of the bad weather, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert.

Why has IMD given red alert?

IMD says that storm, lightning and heavy rain will continue for the next few hours. The wind will blow at a speed of 70-80 km/hr. Gusts can reach up to 90 km/hr. 'Red alert' means simply danger to life and property. IMD gives red alert only when the weather is very dangerous. Therefore the department has asked people to be cautious.

What precautions should people take?

IMD has given clear instructions:

• Stay indoors – do not go out in bad weather.
• Stay away from weak buildings, trees, electric poles – they can fall.
• Avoid open fields and rooftops – the risk of lightning is highest there, which means right now is not the time to enjoy the rain by standing on the rooftop.

Which states will see more rain today?

The weather will remain bad in North India on Friday also. Strong storm-dust storm: Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, West UP, North Rajasthan 

Light to moderate rain: What are the conditions of Bihar, Jharkhand, Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, South and the Northeast?  There is heavy rain there too. Moderate to heavy rain may occur in Kerala, Coastal Karnataka, Andaman-Nicobar, Sikkim, West Assam. There are less chances of staying there for the next few days.

Will there be respite from the heat?

Temperature will drop due to clouds and rain in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab. There will be relief from heat wave. But the effect of the heatwave will still remain in some parts of Rajasthan and Vidarbha. The temperature will remain high there.

How will the days ahead be?

According to IMD, the coming days will also be cloudy. It will rain intermittently from time to time. This will bring down the temperature and people will get relief from the scorching heat. At present, the advice for the people of Delhi is only one – take the red alert seriously. Rain feels nice, but 90 km/hr gales are no joke. Stay safe.