Delhi-NCR on orange alert for rain and thunderstorms

Delhi-NCR woke to rain and thunderstorms on Thursday, with the India Meteorological Department placing Delhi under an orange alert until 2pm.

The department forecast rainfall of 5–15mm an hour, lightning and gusty winds of 40–60kmph. Several parts of the region were expected to receive intermittent spells through the day.

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 23.3°C, 3.7 degrees above normal. The maximum temperature was expected to be around 29°C.

The IMD attributed the rain to a western disturbance and cyclonic circulation over adjoining areas. It described the conditions as part of the post-monsoon pattern as the southwest monsoon withdraws. Rain and thunderstorms are expected on Friday, before drier conditions return over the weekend.

Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ category on Wednesday, with a 24-hour average AQI of 181 at 4pm, the Central Pollution Control Board said.