Light rain in Gurugram; IMD issues orange alert, more storms likely

IMD said thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds may continue due to western disturbances. Wind speeds of up to 20 kmph were recorded on Tuesday.

The district recorded light rainfall at isolated locations on Tuesday amid an active “orange” alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), with officials warning of continued thunderstorms and gusty winds later this week.

A yellow alert is likely for April 3–4, with winds of 40–50 kmph expected. Authorities advised residents to stay indoors during adverse conditions. (Parveen Kumar/HT)

According to IMD data, automatic weather stations at three locations recorded an average rainfall of 1.33mm between 8.30am and 5.30pm, which increased to 2.25mm by 9pm. Rainfall was accompanied by lightning, thunderstorms, and wind gusts reaching up to 20 kmph, recorded at the North Cap University’s AWS in Sector 23A during evening hours.

A senior IMD official said similar conditions are likely to persist. “Another yellow warning is expected to come into force on April 3 and 4, with anticipated thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40 to 50 kmph at isolated places due to frequent western disturbances in the region,” the official said.

Lightning and gusty winds accompanied rainfall at isolated locations. AQI was recorded at 234, with some stations reporting moderate to poor levels. (Parveen Kumar/HT)

Gurugram recorded a maximum temperature of 32.9°C according to IMD, while the minimum settled at 17.9°C.

The IMD has issued advisories for Friday and Saturday, urging residents to avoid venturing outdoors and remain indoors during adverse weather conditions.

Despite rainfall, air quality remained largely unaffected. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded Gurugram’s air quality index (AQI) at 234 under the “poor” category at 4pm, compared to 212 on Monday.

Among monitoring stations, NISE Gwal Pahari recorded an AQI of 140 (“moderate”), Vikas Sadan 217, and Sector 51 293 (both “poor”) at 9pm.