Relief from heat as rain lashes parts of Delhi-NCR; IMD issues alerts for thunderstorms, dust storms

NEW DELHI: Relief from heat as rain and strong winds lashed parts of Delhi-NCR on Wednesday, bringing respite from the ongoing heatwave.The India Meteorological Department has issued ‘orange’ and ‘yellow’ alerts for thunderstorms, dust storms and rain in different parts of Delhi. An ‘orange’ alert has been sounded for southwest Delhi, with authorities warning of thunderstorms accompanied by winds reaching up to 60 kmph, along with the possibility of lightning and brief spells of rain. A ‘yellow’ alert has been issued for parts of northwest Delhi, west Delhi, north Delhi, south Delhi and southeast Delhi, signalling the likelihood of thunderstorms and gusty winds, while advising residents to remain cautious. Experts said the national capital should also brace for dust storms in the coming days, attributing the changing conditions to a cyclonic circulation prevailing over central Pakistan and adjoining regions of Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab. The system, according to experts, is likely to transport dust from the desert regions of Rajasthan towards Delhi. The changing weather pattern is expected to bring short-term relief from the heat but may also lead to sudden changes in wind conditions and air quality across the city.(With Agency Inputs)