IMD weather update: Delhi-NCR likely to experience heavy rains, orange alert issued for today

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted above-normal rainfall for the country in July, raising concerns about potential floods in the western Himalayan states and central river basins. 

Delhi-NCR has been issued an 'orange alert' from Sunday till Wednesday as the region is expected to experience moderate to heavy rain along with thunderstorms and gusty winds with speeds between 30 to 40 kmph.

From July 3 to 5, IMD predicted a generally cloudy sky with moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms. Delhi typically receives around 650 mm of rainfall during the entire Monsoon season.

The prediction comes after Delhi saw record-breaking rains on Friday that broke an 88-year-old rainfall record. The city saw 228.1 mm of rain in a 24-hour period, which is more than the usual amount of rain in June and the most since 1936.

On Monday, IMD announced that it will upgrade its weather forecasting capabilities in Delhi-NCR with the installation of three new Doppler radars over the next two to three years.

IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated that recent extreme weather conditions, which inundated Delhi last week, underline the importance of enhanced prediction systems. Although not classified as a cloudburst, the rains came close, exposing the forecasting challenges both locally and globally.

The IMD's plan includes setting up additional automatic weather stations and a flood warning model to better prepare the region for such events. This effort mirrors similar projects in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai, aiming to elevate the national capital's weather prediction systems to new heights.

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