Delhi-NCR Rain Alert Today, July 27: Rain lashes Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Greater Noida; IMD issues Yellow Alert for thunderstorms and gusty winds

Several parts of Delhi witnessed rain on Monday evening, bringing relief from humid weather conditions, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a Yellow Alert for thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across multiple districts of the national capital.

According to the IMD's district-level nowcast issued at 4:24 pm, light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and winds reaching 30-40 kmph is likely to continue over several parts of Delhi until late evening.

IMD issues Yellow Alert for several Delhi districts

The IMD has forecast light rain, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds across the following districts:

• South East Delhi
• East Delhi
• Shahdara
• Central Delhi
• North East Delhi
• South Delhi
• New Delhi
• South West Delhi
• West Delhi
• North West Delhi
• North Delhi
• Noida
• Greater Noida
• Ghaziabad

Rain brings relief from humid conditions

The evening showers offered respite from the day's muggy weather, with temperatures becoming more comfortable after rainfall.

However, the rain also affected traffic movement in several areas, leading to slower commutes during the evening rush hour. Motorists have been advised to drive cautiously as wet roads and reduced visibility may cause temporary traffic disruptions.

Delhi continues to record below-normal monsoon rainfall

Despite intermittent showers over the past few weeks, Delhi's cumulative monsoon rainfall remains below the seasonal average.

Between June 1 and July 25, the capital recorded 247.8 mm of rainfall, compared with the normal 365.3 mm for the period. This represents a 14% rainfall deficit during the ongoing southwest monsoon season.

Even so, the IMD continues to place Delhi in the 'normal' rainfall category.

Why is Delhi still in the 'normal' rainfall category?

The IMD classifies seasonal rainfall based on its departure from the long-period average.

A rainfall departure of more than 19% below normal is categorised as deficit, while a departure between -19% and +19% is considered normal. Rainfall between 20% and 59% above normal falls under the excess category, while 60% or more above normal is classified as large excess.

Since Delhi's rainfall is currently 14% below normal, it remains within the IMD's normal range despite receiving less rainfall than the seasonal average.

Residents advised to stay updated

With thunderstorms and gusty winds expected to continue until late evening in several districts, residents are advised to monitor the latest IMD updates and exercise caution while travelling. Localised waterlogging, reduced visibility and traffic congestion may occur in low-lying areas during periods of intense rainfall.

Inputs from agencies