IMD Alert – latest Indian weather warnings and updates
Whenever the India Meteorological Department (IMD) raises an alert, it’s a signal that the weather is about to get serious. From sudden downpours in Delhi to humid heat in Rajasthan, these warnings help you plan your day, your commute, and even your weekend outings. Below we break down the most common alert types, what they mean for everyday life, and real‑world examples from the past week.
What the IMD alerts mean for you
IMD uses a colour‑coded system: orange for a high chance of rain or thunderstorms, red for severe weather that can cause flooding, strong winds, or landslides. An orange alert means you should carry an umbrella, avoid open water, and expect traffic slow‑downs. A red alert is a step up – you might need to postpone outdoor events, keep windows shut, and stay away from low‑lying areas that can quickly turn into water traps.
Most alerts also come with a brief note on the expected intensity. For instance, a "moderate rain" warning in Delhi‑NCR typically brings 5‑10 mm of rain per hour, while a "heavy to very heavy" alert in Uttarakhand can dump 30‑50 mm in a short span. Knowing the difference helps you decide whether to pull an extra pair of socks or pack a raincoat and boots.
Recent alerts and how they affected daily life
Earlier this month, Delhi saw an orange alert that lowered the temperature to a comfortable 23‑26 °C. The air quality jumped to a decent AQI 75, but the rain slowed traffic and reduced visibility to under 10 km. Sensitive groups, like asthma patients, were told to avoid busy roads. If you were outside, you probably felt the sticky humidity and heard the distant rumble of thunder. The alert also gave commuters a heads‑up, so many shifted to earlier trains or used the metro instead.
In Kolkata, an orange alert threatened the IPL 2025 opener at Eden Gardens. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusts up to 60 km/h were forecasted. The stadium covered the outfield, and the opening ceremony was pushed back by an hour. Fans who arrived early still got a show, but the delay reminded everyone that an alert can alter big events at the last minute.
North India faced a heavy‑rain warning that hit Delhi‑NCR, Uttar Pradesh, and even the hill state of Himachal. The IMD warned of saturated soils and landslide risks in Uttarkashi. Residents in Noida reported water‑logged streets after an aggressive evening downpour, and some basements flooded. Local authorities cleared the worst spots within an hour, but the episode showed how quickly a red alert can turn a normal evening into a mini‑disaster.
Even the monsoon‑driven states of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh got a heads‑up about scattered showers turning into heavier rain on August 28. The forecast predicted up to 32 mm of rain in Delhi alone. People in the region used the warning to plan irrigation for farms and to avoid late‑night travel on slippery roads.
All these examples underline a simple truth: IMD alerts are not just weather jargon. They’re practical tools that help you decide whether to carry a rain coat, reschedule a meeting, or stay home and binge‑watch your favorite series. The key is to check the alert early, understand the colour code, and act accordingly.
So, the next time you see an IMD orange or red alert, don’t just scroll past it. Take a minute, think about your day, and make the smart move. Whether you’re heading to work, watching a sports match, or planning a weekend trip, a quick glance at the alert can keep you dry, safe, and on schedule.
