Delhi Rain Alert: Residents of Delhi-NCR got a much-needed break from the muggy weather on Sunday evening (July 13) as heavy rain swept across the region. The skies had remained overcast since morning, and the evening showers brought relief to those grappling with intense heat.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert late Sunday, warning of more rain in the coming hours and throughout the day. According to the IMD, dense clouds are rapidly moving in from the southeast, likely triggering light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms in several parts of Delhi and the surrounding NCR region.
Red Alert Means Disruption Likely, Warns IMD
The red alert signals a need for caution as heavy rainfall could disrupt daily life, the IMD said. On Sunday, the maximum temperature in the capital touched 38.4°C — higher than normal — while the minimum settled at 25.1°C, about 2.2 degrees below the average. For Monday, the forecast suggests continued cloud cover and moderate rain, with temperatures expected to hover around a high of 33°C and a low of 26°C.
Rain Improves Delhi's Air Quality
Along with cooling the city, the rainfall helped clear the air. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 86 at 4 pm on Sunday — a "satisfactory" level. For a city that frequently battles worsening air quality, this marks a welcome change. The showers helped wash away dust and pollutants lingering in the atmosphere.
According to the CPCB's AQI scale, a reading between 0-50 is considered "good," 51-100 "satisfactory," 101-200 "moderate," 201-300 "poor," 301-400 "very poor," and 401-500 "severe." By that measure, Sunday’s rain didn’t just cool the capital — it also cleaned up the air, if only briefly. However, the IMD has cautioned that waterlogging and traffic disruptions are likely today due to the heavy rain, and residents are advised to stay alert.