IMD upgrades to red alert as Delhi faces heavy rain

Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds swept across Delhi and the National Capital Region on Thursday, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and relief from a recent heatwave while causing significant disruption. The India Meteorological Department issued a series of alerts, eventually upgrading to a red alert for the national capital as conditions intensified.

The downpour led to waterlogging in several areas, including ITO and Mayur Vhari, and caused traffic congestion during the evening commute. Strong winds damaged public infrastructure, with a streetlight seen leaning dangerously in Dwarka Sector 21. The weather department recorded a significant temperature drop, with Ayanagar registering 19 degrees Celsius after the rain. Rainfall between morning and evening was highest in Ayanagar at 27.8 mm, and Palam recorded the highest wind speed at 65 kmph.

Meteorologists attribute the sudden shift in weather to an active western disturbance, a low-pressure system originating in the Mediterranean region that is interacting with moisture-laden winds over North India. This system is causing instability, leading to thunderstorms and scattered rainfall.