Weather Department Colour-Coded Alerts: What They Mean
Over the past few days, the weather department has been consistently issuing yellow and orange alerts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. It also issues red alerts on occasion—though none have been issued so far this monsoon season—when there is a high likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall. These colour-coded alerts are based on the anticipated severity and potential impact of weather events like heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail and other adverse conditions.
Yellow Alert: Least Severe Warning
Yellow alert is the least dangerous warning. During yellow alerts, there are chances of light to moderate rainfall, with precipitation expected between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm at isolated places. This level of rainfall could lead to partial damage to vulnerable structures and huts, damage to standing crops, slightly low visibility conditions, and slippery roads. The alert serves as a heads-up for residents and authorities to stay cautious but does not indicate an immediate threat to life.
Orange Alert: Higher Risk of Landslides and Waterlogging
Orange alert indicates a higher level of risk than a yellow alert but is less severe than a red alert. It is issued when heavy to very heavy rainfall, ranging between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm in 24 hours, is expected. Such conditions significantly increase the risk of landslides and mudslides in vulnerable areas. Other likely impacts include waterlogging in low-lying areas, damage to vulnerable structures, slippery roads, poor visibility, traffic congestion, and disruptions to essential services and routine outdoor activities. Authorities often use this alert to mobilize emergency response teams and advise people to avoid non-essential travel.
Red Alert: Most Severe Warning for Extreme Rainfall
Red alert is the highest and most severe weather warning issued by the weather department. It is declared when extremely heavy rainfall of more than 204.4 mm is expected within 24 hours. Such conditions pose a serious threat to life and property, often leading to widespread disruption. The likely impacts include flash floods, cloudbursts, major landslides, and extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and other property. During the monsoon seasons of 2023 and 2025, red alerts were issued several times, and many of those instances coincided with devastating weather events that caused significant loss of life and widespread destruction. The public is advised to take immediate precautions, move to safer locations, and follow instructions from disaster management authorities.
