The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) uses a simple and effective colour coded alert system that is yellow, orange, and red. These colour alters are designed to convey the severity of the weather event
-1748073544140_d.png "Weather alerts: Yellow, orange, red: How do colour-coded alerts work?")
Representation Pic. Pic/File.
Climatic shifts and changing weather patterns have a significant impact on people's lives. Keeping the public informed about these changes is crucial to help them prepare for potential dangers. To communicate weather warnings effectively, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) uses a simple, colour-coded alert system: Yellow, Orange, and Red. Each alert corresponds to a specific level of severity of the weather event.
Yellow alert: Be aware
A yellow alert is the lowest level of warning, issued to keep people informed about possible weather-related inconveniences. It serves as a cautionary notice rather than a call for action. Minor issues such as waterlogging in low-lying areas, traffic congestion, or slippery roads can be expected during a yellow alert. While it doesn't indicate immediate danger, it encourages citizens to remain cautious.
Orange alert: Be prepared
An orange alert indicates a more serious weather situation. It warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall, possibly accompanied by gusty winds (50–60 km/hr) and thunderstorms with lightning, especially in isolated areas. These conditions can disrupt daily life by halting traffic, damaging crops, and putting pressure on infrastructure. Authorities may advise school closures or urge the public to avoid non-essential travel. Orange alerts can also signal the risk of flash floods, river overflows, and landslides, particularly in hilly regions.
Red alert: Take action
A red alert is the highest level of warning and signals extremely heavy rainfall, typically more than 204 mm in 24 hours, according to IMD. Such conditions pose a serious threat to life and property. Red alerts are usually issued during severe monsoon events or cyclonic disturbances. They often lead to emergency measures like evacuations, suspension of public transport, and deployment of rescue teams by disaster management authorities.
IMD’s impact-based forecasting
The IMD’s alert system is part of its impact-based forecasting, which goes beyond just predicting rainfall intensity. It also considers how the weather will affect people's lives—whether by disrupting transport, damaging infrastructure, or threatening agriculture.
Why this matters for Maharashtra
Maharashtra, a state frequently affected by heavy rains, cyclones, and climatic anomalies, is particularly vulnerable to these changes. Agriculture, infrastructure, and daily life are all impacted. Understanding weather alerts and the IMD’s colour-coding system empowers people to make informed decisions and stay safe.
In a country where the monsoon plays a vital role, not just in farming but in the daily rhythm of life, awareness of these alerts is essential. Knowing what each colour means can help individuals take the right steps at the right time—and potentially save lives.
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