Delhi-NCR likely to receive light rain; IMD issues thunderstorm alert in 20 states

New Delhi: Residents of Delhi-NCR may experience light rainfall on Tuesday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast generally cloudy conditions, with isolated spells of very light to light rain likely from the forenoon to the afternoon. IMD also issued thunderstorm and rain alerts in 20 states.

The maximum temperature in the national capital is expected to remain between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to settle between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius.

According to the weather department, Delhi-NCR and several other parts of the country are likely to witness fluctuating weather conditions this week, with rain expected on some days, while relatively dry conditions may prevail on others.

Although monsoon activity has weakened compared with previous weeks, the IMD has warned of thunderstorms, lightning and rainfall in 20 states.

Gusty winds could reach speeds of up to 60 kmph in some areas, prompting authorities to advise residents to exercise caution during periods of adverse weather.

The weather warning covers a wide geographical area, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat and Maharashtra, among other regions.

The IMD on Monday said the southwest monsoon is likely to begin withdrawing from the country around September 19, with the retreat expected to commence from west Rajasthan. The normal withdrawal date for the region is September 17, while last year the process began on September 14.

The department said the country's cumulative rainfall deficit currently stands at 15 per cent. Several districts, particularly in western, southern and northeastern regions, continue to record deficient rainfall.

Despite the expected retreat of the monsoon, several parts of the country are likely to receive additional rainfall during the week. The west and northwest regions, along with parts of the southern peninsula, are expected to witness increased rainfall activity.

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