IMD predicts dust storm, light rain, thunderstorm in these areas of Delhi-NCR today. See full forecast here

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light to moderate intensity rainfall in the national capital and adjoining areas today

As per IMD, thunderstorm, dust storm with light to moderate intensity rain and gusty winds with speed of 30-50 Km/h would occur over and adjoining areas of many places of Delhi.

Areas including North Delhi, North-East Delhi, North-West Delhi, West Delhi, Central-Delhi, East Delhi and NCR are likely to see rains, as per IMD.

Furthermore, it has also predicted light to moderate intensity intermittent rain would occur over and adjoining areas of Adampur, Hissar, Hansi, Meham (Haryana) during next 2 hours.

Currently, the overall air quality index in the national capital as of 8.30 am stands at 271. The air quality in Delhi’s Dhirpur area touched ‘very poor’ category with an AQI of 323 while Lodhi Road touched ‘poor’ category with an AQI of 225. Gurugram reported an AQI of 280 in ‘poor’ category while Noida recorded an AQI of 266.

Yesterday, the national capital saw strong winds leading to raising dust and affecting air quality as well as reducing visibility to 1,000 metres.

IMD forecast on Heatwave

Speaking on the current heatwave conditions, IMD has issued a heatwave warning for Maharashtra on 17 May. In its latest bulletin, the weather bureau said, “temperature is likely to rise by 2-3°C over many parts of Maharashtra from 17th May.

As per IMD, heat wave conditions in isolated pockets is very likely over Odisha during 15-17 May.

In Northwest India, dust storm is very likely in isolated pockets over Rajasthan during 15-18th May.

Rainfall predictions in Northeast

As per IMD, light/moderate widespread rainfall is very likely over Northeast India.

Heavy rains is very likely at isolated places over Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura during 15-19 May.

Moreover, IMD has also predicted isolated very heavy falls over Assam and Meghalaya on 16, 18 and 19 May.

Speaking about the latest updates on monsoon in India, IMD has predicted the onset of monsoon over Kerala is likely to be delayed this year, predicting its arrival on June 4, four days after the normal date predicted on June 1. Private forecaster Skymet added that it sees monsoon will make a weak onset a week later by 7 June with an error margin of plus or minus three days.

Last month, IMD predicted a normal monsoon this year, offering hope to millions of farmers. Forecast of below-normal monsoon rains for 2023 by Skymet, however, posed mounting risks to rural incomes, consumption and economic growth. It had said that rains in the June-September season will be 94% of the long-period average due to the impact of the El Niño weather pattern, linked to droughts or poor rainfall in India. The IMD had forecast rains at 96% of the long period average.