Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 06:57pm on 24 May 2025,Saturday Weather & Environment
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi-NCR late Saturday evening, warning of severe thunderstorms and rainfall. A thunderstorm cell is approaching from the west/northwest, expected to bring frequent lightning and gusty winds reaching 40–60 km/h or more within the next 1–2 hours. Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid open fields, and not take shelter under trees. At 5:30 PM, the relative humidity was recorded at 49%, and the air quality remained in the "moderate" category with an AQI of 141 at 6 PM, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. (PC: Hindustan Times)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:45am on 24 May 2025,Saturday Weather & Environment
The southwest monsoon has arrived over Kerala eight days earlier than its usual onset of June 1, marking its earliest appearance in 16 years. This early onset, last seen in 2009, has triggered heavy rains across Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, with alerts for extremely heavy showers on May 25–26. The India Meteorological Department forecasts above-normal rainfall this season, offering a major boost to India’s agrarian economy and timely sowing of Kharif crops. With neutral El Niño conditions, experts remain optimistic. The four-month monsoon season contributes over 75% of India's annual rainfall, vital for millions of farmers. (PC: News18)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:54am on 22 May 2025,Thursday Weather & Environment
Delhi is witnessing stark temperature variations across different neighborhoods due to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. Densely populated and concretized areas such as Palam have recorded temperatures 2–3°C higher than greener, less developed zones like Ridge or Lodhi Garden. While Safdarjung showed 40°C, Palam reached nearly 43°C. This localized heating is caused by limited green cover, heat-trapping buildings, and high energy use, particularly air conditioning. Experts warn that these micro-climates are often excluded from official temperature data, masking the real extent of urban heat experienced by residents across the capital. (PC: ANI)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:14am on 22 May 2025,Thursday Weather & Environment
On May 21, 2025, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) were struck by a sudden dust storm accompanied by rain and hail, bringing temporary relief from extreme heat but causing widespread disruption. Wind speeds reached up to 79 kmph, uprooting trees, damaging property, and leading to power outages. Metro services and flights were affected. Tragically, five people lost their lives, including a man hit by a falling electric pole. Earlier in the day, the “feels-like” temperature had reached 50.2°C. The IMD issued a yellow alert, predicting continued unstable weather in the coming days. (PC: Hindustan Times)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:42pm on 21 May 2025,Wednesday Weather & Environment
A fierce dust storm swept through Delhi and the NCR on Wednesday evening, bringing much-needed relief from scorching temperatures but causing widespread disruption. The storm, which struck around 8 PM, uprooted trees, damaged metro infrastructure, and delayed flights at IGI Airport. Wind speeds soared to 79 kmph in parts of the city. Metro services on the Red, Yellow, and Pink lines were temporarily halted. A tragic incident occurred on Lodhi Road, where a man in a wheelchair was killed by a falling electric pole. The IMD attributed the storm to a cyclonic circulation over Haryana, with more unstable weather expected. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 05:21pm on 21 May 2025,Wednesday Weather & Environment
On May 21, 2025, Delhi experienced a severe dust storm followed by heavy rain and hail, leading to significant disruptions. Between 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm, at least 10 flights were diverted—primarily to Jaipur and one to Mumbai—and over 50 flights were delayed due to wind shear and intense rainfall. Wind speeds peaked at 74 km/h around 8 pm, causing temperatures in Palam to plummet from 37°C to 23°C within an hour. The India Meteorological Department attributed the sudden weather change to a cyclonic circulation over Haryana, embedded in an east-west trough from Punjab to Bangladesh, with moisture from both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. (PC: Mint & The Indian Express)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:23pm on 21 May 2025,Wednesday Weather & Environment
NASA has issued an alert after a powerful X2.7-class solar flare erupted from sunspot AR4087 on May 14, 2025. The flare has already caused radio blackouts across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME), the solar storm is expected to hit Earth, potentially disrupting GPS systems, satellite operations, and even causing power outages. As the Sun nears its solar maximum in the 11-year cycle, NASA warns of more such intense events. Global authorities are closely monitoring the situation and advising precautionary measures to minimize technological disruptions. (PC: Business Standard)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:49am on 21 May 2025,Wednesday Weather & Environment
Delhi is currently battling a severe heatwave, with the heat index—or “real feel” temperature—reaching 48.5°C, even though actual temperatures are around 40.8°C. The extreme discomfort is due to high humidity levels ranging from 44% to 74%, intensifying the sensation of heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of increasing heat stress, as the wet bulb temperature has reached 28.87°C—dangerously close to the 32°C threshold that poses serious health risks. With the monsoon delayed, authorities are advising residents to stay indoors during peak hours, remain hydrated, and take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 07:56am on 21 May 2025,Wednesday Weather & Environment
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy to very heavy rain alert across over ten Indian states from May 21 to May 24, 2025. This forecast is driven by a developing cyclonic circulation over the east-central Arabian Sea near the Karnataka coast, which is expected to evolve into a low-pressure system by May 22. Notable regions included in the alert are Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and several northeastern states. Additionally, cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Guwahati are expected to experience thunderstorms and significant rainfall. The monsoon update indicates widespread rain activity across southern, central, and northeastern parts of the country, marking an early and intense pre-monsoon surge. Both residents and authorities in the affected regions are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for potential weather disruptions. (PC: The Economic Times)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:57am on 21 May 2025,Wednesday Weather & Environment
Recent satellite data reveals that warm ocean water is penetrating beneath Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier—nicknamed the “Doomsday Glacier”—causing unprecedented ice loss. This glacier currently contributes about 4% of global sea level rise. The warm seawater displaces freshwater melt, fueling a continuous cycle of accelerated melting. This newly observed process was previously missing from climate models, indicating that future sea level rise projections may be significantly underestimated. The findings highlight urgent needs for improved monitoring and updated climate models to predict and mitigate severe impacts on coastal cities worldwide. (PC: Getty Images)