Delhi rain: IMD issues red alert as thunderstorms forecast

The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for every Delhi district from 8.15am to 11.15am on Friday, warning of rain, thunderstorms and strong winds after overnight showers.

The IMD forecast light to moderate rain at most places, along with thunderstorms and lightning. Isolated areas could receive heavy rain. Surface winds were expected at 25-35 kmph, with gusts reaching 45 kmph.

A yellow alert was in place for the rest of the day. The forecast included cloudy skies and one or two spells of very light to light rain at many places, with moderate rain possible in isolated areas, particularly through the morning and forenoon.

The showers followed scattered rain that cooled Delhi on Thursday. Delhi’s air quality also improved: the Central Pollution Control Board recorded an AQI of 133, in the moderate category, at 4am, after readings above 200 on Wednesday and Thursday.

The IMD forecast fair weather and clearer skies across Delhi from November 1 to November 2.