Intermittent showers lash city, Met Dept sounds yellow alert

Light rain not only brought much-needed respite from the heat but also caused traffic snarls and waterlogging in several parts of Delhi-NCR on Sunday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall for the city over the next couple of days and issued a “yellow alert” to caution residents to stay informed about changing weather conditions.

Intermittent showers lashed the Capital since morning and returned in the evening, slowing down traffic and leading to accumulation of water on key roads. Commuters faced heavy congestion in areas like ITO, Ring Road and parts of South and East Delhi due to rain-induced snarls.

As per the latest forecast for Delhi, the IMD’s yellow alert will remain in place till June 30, with light rain and gusty winds expected across the city and adjoining regions.

IMD scientist Dr Naresh Kumar confirmed the early arrival of the monsoon in Delhi this year. “The monsoon has covered all parts of India. Normally, the monsoon reaches Delhi by July 8, but this year it advanced early, covering Haryana, Delhi-NCR and western Uttar Pradesh by June 29,” Dr Kumar said.

He attributed the advancement to weather systems developing over Gujarat and the northwest Bay of Bengal, which pushed the monsoon currents further north. While Delhi residents can expect relief from scorching temperatures, Dr Kumar cautioned that heavy rain is expected in the hills. “A red alert has been issued for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand,” he added.