IMD Weather Alerts: What’s Happening and How It Affects You

Whenever the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issues an alert, it’s a heads‑up that the weather is about to change. Recent yellow alerts over Delhi, heavy showers in NCR, and wind warnings in Kolkata have shown how quickly plans can be disrupted. In this guide we break down the latest IMD updates, explain what each alert means, and give you simple steps to stay safe and keep your day on track.

Understanding IMD Alert Levels

IMD uses three main colors for alerts: red, orange, and yellow. Red is the most severe – think floods, landslides, and immediate danger. Orange signals high risk; you’ll see strong winds, heavy rain, or low visibility. Yellow is a cautionary warning – rain may be moderate, temperatures could drop, and small disruptions are possible. Knowing the difference helps you decide whether to carry an umbrella, delay a flight, or simply keep an eye on the sky.

Recent Delhi Alerts and What They Mean for You

Over the past week, IMD issued a fresh yellow alert for Delhi because three weather systems were converging. The Yamuna stayed above the 207‑meter evacuation mark, so cremations at Nigambodh Ghat were paused and traffic on key routes was slow. Flights at IGI Airport faced delays, and the air quality improved to an AQI of 57 after the rain. If you’re planning to travel, check live flight status and consider extra time for road congestion.

When the alert was scaled down to yellow, rain eased but thunderstorms lingered into the weekend. Light showers meant the Yamuna level barely dropped, so authorities kept the evacuation barrier in place. For residents, that meant no need to evacuate but still a good idea to avoid low‑lying areas that can water‑log quickly.

These updates also affect daily routines. Carry a waterproof jacket if you’re heading out, keep a power bank handy in case of brief outages, and watch for sudden temperature drops that can catch you off guard.

How to Use IMIMD Alerts for Smart Planning

First, subscribe to IMD’s real‑time notifications via SMS or their official app. A quick glance each morning tells you whether you need an umbrella, a raincoat, or just a heads‑up about possible traffic snarls. Second, match the alert level with your schedule: reschedule outdoor meetings if a red or orange warning is in place, or shift non‑essential travel to off‑peak hours during a yellow alert.

Third, keep an emergency kit ready. A small bag with a raincoat, flashlight, basic medicines, and a copy of important documents can make a big difference when unexpected flooding hits. Even a simple checklist can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one.

Finally, stay informed about nearby regions. While Delhi faced yellow alerts, neighboring cities like Gurugram and Noida were on orange, and the Yamuna’s level varied just enough to affect flood‑prone spots. Checking the broader IMD map helps you anticipate ripple effects, like water‑logging on routes you might use.

IMD alerts are more than just weather reports – they’re tools that let you protect yourself, your family, and your plans. By paying attention to the color code, staying updated with real‑time feeds, and having a few simple habits in place, you can navigate any sudden change in the sky with confidence.