Rain, thunderstorms lash Delhi-NCR; red alert issued amid waterlogging

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for today, warning of rainfall and severe thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds

Delhi-NCR woke up to heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds on Friday morning. The downpour brought much-needed relief from the prolonged heat wave across Delhi and neighbouring areas, including Noida. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for today, warning of severe thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds reaching 70–80 kmph. Hailstorms were also reported in some parts of the region. 

Four people, including a woman and her three children, were killed and one injured when a tree fell on a tubewell room at a farm in Kharkhari Canal village, Dwarka, due to strong winds according to an ANI report. With help from the police and fire brigade, the victims were rescued from the debris and taken to RTR Hospital in Jafferpur Kalan, where all four were declared dead.

     

While the rain brought relief from the heat, it also caused widespread disruptions across Delhi-NCR. Severe waterlogging was witnessed in several parts of the Delhi-NCR region. Dwarka Underpass, South Extension, Ring Road, Minto Road, RK Puram, and Lajpat Nagar were some of the areas that experienced water logging due to the rain. Accoring to the Times of India report, a metal structure also collapsed at Terminal-3 of the Delhi Airport due to heavy rain and strong winds. 

 

The heavy rainfall and thunderstorms also uprooted trees and damaged power lines. Vulnerable structures, kutcha houses and open areas are likely to suffer partial damage, with risks posed by flying debris. The IMD has advised people to stay indoors, avoid taking shelter under trees, unplug electronic devices, and keep away from water bodies and electrical conductors.   

 

Delhi weather forecast

 

The IMD forecast rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning, with the maximum temperature rising to around 39 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature is expected to be around 27 degrees Celsius. Strong surface winds are likely to prevail over the national capital. The forecast for the next three days includes heavy rains, thunderstorms and gusty winds, and a yellow warning has been issued for the same.