A spell of heavy rain and gale-force winds lashed Delhi-NCR late Saturday night, bringing much-needed relief from the sweltering summer heat. However, this short-lived comfort in the north contrasted sharply with the unfolding crisis in the south, as Kerala reeled under the fury of an early and intense monsoon.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for Delhi just hours earlier, warning of severe thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and squally winds with speeds of up to 100 km/h.
The capital region, which had been sweltering under intense heat in recent days, finally saw temperatures drop, offering residents temporary respite.
“A thunderstorm cell is approaching Delhi and adjoining areas from the west/northwest,” the IMD said.
“Under its influence, severe thunderstorm/dust raising wind activity accompanied by frequent lightning and gusty winds (speed reaching 40-60 km/h or more) is likely to affect parts of the city in the next 1–2 hours,” it added.
IMD Issues Advisory Urging Caution Amidst Heavy Rain
The IMD recommended avoiding going outdoors and not seeking shelter under trees.
“Residents are advised to take necessary precautions. Avoid open fields, stay indoors, and do not take shelter under trees,” an advisory from the weather office said.
The national capital had previously measured a minimum of 28.4 degrees Celsius, 1.7 degrees below the season’s average. The rapid shift in weather aligns with a growing pattern of climate irregularities being reported across the subcontinent.
Monsoon Wreaks Havoc in Kerala
While Delhi found relief, Kerala faced destruction. Heavy rains and strong winds caused widespread damage across the state. Several houses were damaged, agricultural fields submerged, and reports of power cuts and road waterlogging came in as the monsoon arrived earlier than expected on Saturday.
Trees were uprooted and branches broken, damaging homes and vehicles in multiple areas. Snapped electricity poles led to prolonged outages in several towns. Many highways were inundated, disrupting transport and connectivity. Both rural and urban parts of Kerala bore the brunt of continuous, intense rainfall throughout the day.
Kerala Prepares for Emergency Response to Rain
State Revenue Minister K Rajan said some areas could receive extremely heavy rainfall in a short span of time. These downpours might arrive without warning. As a result, they could trigger flash floods and landslides.
He also stated that the government had set up over 3,000 relief camps. These shelters could accommodate more than five lakh people if needed. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the southwest monsoon had reached the state earlier than usual, intensifying the rainfall’s impact.
