The Four Colours of Your Commute
The IMD uses a simple, four-colour system to communicate the severity of expected weather: Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red. The goal is to provide a clear, quick-to-understand warning for the public and disaster management authorities, helping everyone
from office-goers to school children make informed decisions. These alerts aren't just for rain; they cover a range of phenomena including thunderstorms, heatwaves, and cyclones, but they are most frequently encountered during the monsoon season.
Green Alert: All Clear
A Green alert means 'No Advisory' is needed. When you see this, you can expect normal weather conditions with no significant rainfall predicted. During the monsoon, this could still mean light, scattered showers, but it generally signals that your travel plans are unlikely to be affected by the weather. In short, a Green alert means you can proceed with your daily activities without any weather-related worries.
Yellow Alert: Be Aware
A Yellow alert is a signal to 'Be Aware'. It indicates that weather conditions could worsen and there is a possibility of moderately bad weather that might disrupt daily life. For rainfall, this typically means a forecast of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm within a 24-hour period. For a commuter, a Yellow alert is a nudge to stay updated. It may cause minor traffic snarls or waterlogging in low-lying areas, so it's wise to allow for some extra travel time and carry an umbrella or raincoat.
Orange Alert: Be Prepared
When the IMD issues an Orange alert, it's a call to 'Be Prepared'. This is a more serious warning, indicating that extremely bad weather is likely. In terms of rainfall, this means a forecast of heavy to very heavy rain, typically between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm in 24 hours. An Orange alert signals a high probability of disruptions, including significant traffic jams, flooding on major roads, and potential power outages. Commuters should seriously consider whether their travel is necessary and prepare for major delays if they must go out.
Red Alert: Take Action
A Red alert is the highest level of warning and means 'Take Action'. It is issued when extremely severe weather is expected, which poses a significant risk to life and property. This corresponds to rainfall exceeding 204.5 mm in a 24-hour period. Under a Red alert, widespread flooding, major disruption to transport services (road, rail, and air), and power cuts are highly likely. The advice for commuters is clear: avoid travel unless absolutely essential and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure your safety.
Where to Get Reliable Updates
To make informed decisions, it is crucial to get your weather information from official sources. The IMD disseminates these alerts through its official website, mausam.imd.gov.in. For on-the-go updates, the 'Mausam' mobile app, available for both Android and iOS, provides current weather, forecasts, and colour-coded warnings for your location. The UMANG app also integrates IMD services. These platforms provide district-wise warnings for the next five days, helping you plan ahead effectively.
