Delhi under red alert as IMD warns of heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds

Janmashtami revellers in Delhi were caught in a sudden spell of rain on Friday, as the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for thunderstorms, lightning and intense rainfall later in the day.

The IMD forecast light to moderate rain, thunderstorms and lightning at many places between 2.15pm and 4.15pm, with heavy rain at isolated locations. A further spell was forecast at most places from 5pm to 8pm.

For the following three hours, the department warned that a few places could receive 50-100 mm of rain. Thunderstorms and lightning may be accompanied by winds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph.

Palam recorded 3.4 mm of rainfall between 11.30am and 2.30pm. Najafgarh received 0.5 mm between 8.30am and 11.30am, while most other monitoring stations recorded no rain during those windows. Palam had also recorded 58 mm of rain earlier this week.

Residents heading out for evening celebrations should account for wet roads, poor visibility and the possibility of lightning and strong winds.