New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday evening issued a “red alert” for Delhi-NCR, cautioning residents about an impending spell of intense thunderstorms and heavy rain.
“A thunderstorm cell is approaching Delhi and adjoining areas from the west/northwest,” the IMD said. “Under its influence, severe thunderstorm/dust raising wind activity accompanied by frequent lightning and gusty winds (speed reaching 40-60 km/h or more) is likely to affect parts of the city in the next 1–2 hours.”
With the weather likely to turn hazardous, the IMD has urged the public to remain indoors and avoid open spaces. “Residents are advised to take necessary precautions. Avoid open fields, stay indoors, and do not take shelter under trees,” an advisory from the weather office said.
At 5.30 pm, the relative humidity in the region stood at 49 per cent, indicating moisture-laden conditions. Meanwhile, the air quality in Delhi was in the “moderate” category as of 6 pm, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) measured at 141, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The CPCB classifies AQI levels between zero and 50 as ‘good’, 51 to 100 as ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 as ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 as ‘poor’, 301 to 400 as ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 as ‘severe’.
