NEW DELHI: Rain lashed parts of Delhi-NCR on Saturday evening, followed by dust storms and strong winds, bringing relief from the heat as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red and orange alerts warning of thunderstorms, lightning, hail and further rainfall across the national capital.According to the weather department, parts of central, northeast, southwest, west, northwest and north Delhi are likely to witness a dust storm followed by severe thunderstorms, lightning, hail and light to moderate rainfall.The IMD said wind speeds in these areas could range between 70 and 90 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 100 kmph.Read also: Massive dust storm engulfs parts of Rajasthan; Churu witnesses near-zero visibilitySeveral other parts of the city, including southeast, east, central, northeast, south, southwest, west, northwest and north Delhi, along with Shahdara and New Delhi districts, are also expected to receive light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.In these areas, winds are likely to blow at speeds of 40 to 60 kmph, with gusts of up to 80 kmph.The weather department also forecast light rainfall in parts of south Delhi.Residents have been advised to stay indoors during the weather activity, avoid sheltering under trees, keep away from weak structures and disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms.The IMD said the sudden change in weather is linked to an active western disturbance over north-west India and an associated cyclonic circulation, which have increased moisture and instability across the region.The change comes after several days of hot weather in Delhi and is expected to provide temporary relief from the heat.Earlier on Saturday, the city recorded a minimum temperature of 24.6 degrees Celsius, which was two degrees below normal. The maximum temperature is expected to remain around 36 degrees Celsius.
