Delhi-NCR Faces Intense Weather with Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms
The national capital, New Delhi, and its adjacent regions were struck by intense weather late Sunday night, as significant rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds swept through the area. This weather event followed a severe weather alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which had warned of vigorous thunderstorms combined with gusty winds varying between 40-60 km/h.
Haryana’s Jhajjar region also experienced similar weather conditions characterized by heavy rain and accompanying thunderstorms. These intense weather occurrences came after an alert was released by the IMD on Saturday, highlighting the potential for powerful thunderstorms, substantial rainfall, and high-speed winds expected over the subsequent two to three hours.
The IMD’s warnings were part of a Nowcast alert, which is grounded in real-time weather assessments. The meteorological department noted that a thunderstorm system was moving towards Delhi and surrounding areas from the west/northwest. This system was predicted to cause severe thunderstorm activities along with dust-raising winds and frequent lightning strikes.
Residents were advised by the weather department to take necessary precautions amidst these severe conditions. The IMD stressed the importance of avoiding open areas and discouraged seeking shelter under trees due to the possibility of elemental damage. Precautions were also advised against leaning on weak walls or structures and staying away from water bodies.
Potential consequences of the thunderstorm were identified, including the uprooting and breakage of tree branches. Agriculture, particularly crops such as bananas and papayas, might encounter moderate harm, with dry tree limbs posing additional hazards due to the strong wind impact. Dust storms were also anticipated to arise in specific areas within the city.
Authorities have been proactive, emphasizing the need for community vigilance and precautionary measures to ensure safety amid these turbulent weather conditions.
Earlier instances of similar weather patterns occurred last Wednesday when a cloud mass moved across North Delhi toward the south-southeast, instigating a dust storm followed by strong gusts of wind. Wind speeds during this event reached 50-60 kmph, with gusts peaking at 70 kmph, and were coupled with minor rainfall earlier in the evening.
Haryana’s Karnal area also felt the brunt of heavy rainfall paired with thunderstorms. This turbulent weather led to temporary power outages across several regions within the capital city. After intense dust storms, followed by rain, hail, and thunderstorms, power interruptions were noted in various areas including Bawana, Narela, Jahangirpuri, Civil Lines, Shakti Nagar, Model Town, Wazirabad, Dhirpur, and Burari.
An official statement from Tata Power DDL indicated that, to maintain public safety, the electricity supply was temporarily halted in certain areas to avert risks of electrocution. Damage was reported as several trees and branches toppled over power lines, necessitating the suspension of electricity in some areas.
With such severe weather conditions frequently impacting the Delhi-NCR region, it is imperative for residents to stay informed via weather updates and adhere to safety guidelines provided by authorities. Such preparedness can significantly mitigate the adverse effects of these natural occurrences.
