New Delhi: A spell of thunderstorms and gusty winds swept through Delhi early Sunday, offering much-needed relief to residents after days of intense heatwave conditions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
Several parts of the national capital and adjoining NCR experienced light rain, lightning, and strong winds in the pre-dawn hours, marking a shift in weather patterns following a red alert for extreme heat earlier this week.
According to IMD, a “moderate to intense spell of rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning, and squally winds reaching speeds of 80-100 kmph” struck the city early Sunday. Two back-to-back thundersqualls were recorded at the Safdarjung weather station between 3:48 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., with peak gusts touching 104 kmph in the second squall.
The weather office also recorded hailstorm activity during the squalls. “These conditions could pose serious risks to safety due to flying debris and low visibility,” the IMD said, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid travel unless necessary.
Despite a brief dip in maximum temperatures—41.2 degrees Celsius on Friday, down from 43.9°C the day before—Delhi continued to experience hot and humid conditions, with minimum temperatures remaining elevated at 31.0°C, around 3 degrees above normal. Humidity levels fluctuated between 51% and 69%, intensifying discomfort.
The IMD has forecast generally cloudy skies with light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and dust storms in Delhi through June 19. Gusty winds are expected during thunderstorms.
This weekend’s weather shift follows days of relentless heat, with daytime highs regularly crossing the 44°C mark in parts of Delhi. A red alert was issued for the capital, warning of severe health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.
Looking ahead, the IMD’s extended range forecast suggests that the southwest monsoon is likely to advance over remaining parts of central and eastern India, and begin entering northwestern regions—including Delhi—between June 19 and 25. The normal monsoon onset date for Delhi is June 30.
This year, the monsoon arrived in Kerala on May 24—more than a week earlier than usual—and reached Mumbai by May 26, nearly two weeks ahead of schedule. In Delhi, monsoon onset occurred on June 28 last year and June 26 in 2023.
After a brief hiatus, monsoon activity has resumed in southern India, with widespread rainfall reported across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Konkan, and Maharashtra since Wednesday. The IMD expects the second phase of the monsoon to move into eastern India over the coming week, bringing rain to states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Residents in Delhi and NCR have been advised to monitor updates and follow safety advisories as shifting weather patterns bring both relief and risks in the days ahead.
