A powerful pre-monsoon storm swept through Delhi-NCR late Wednesday evening, bringing violent winds, intense lightning, and spells of rain after a scorching day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded peak wind gusts of 120 km/h at Palam, matching the station's highest since 2001. Other areas like Pusa (80 km/h), Safdarjung (64 km/h), and Jafarpur (59 km/h) also experienced strong winds.
Heat and Relief
Earlier in the day, temperatures soared above normal, with the 'feels-like' temperature crossing 45°C. The Ridge recorded a maximum of 44.7°C, followed by Lodi Road at 44°C, Palam at 43.8°C, and Safdarjung at 43.5°C. The storm brought sudden relief, though temperatures remained unusually high during the event.
Disruption and Damage
The storm caused significant disruption. According to FlightRadar24, over 400 flights were delayed and at least two were diverted due to low visibility and strong winds at Delhi airport. On roads, visibility dropped sharply, slowing traffic across major corridors. In a tragic incident, an 18-year-old student in Haryana's Nuh district died after a tin sheet uprooted by the wind struck him.
IMD Alerts
The IMD issued red and orange alerts. Red alert zones warned of thunderstorms with winds of 60–80 km/h, gusting to 90 km/h, while orange alert areas expected winds of 40–50 km/h. The storm was triggered by a cyclonic circulation over central Pakistan and adjoining Rajasthan, with a trough extending towards Delhi.
Forecast for Coming Days
Private meteorologist Mahesh Palawat of Skymet Weather said similar conditions are likely on Wednesday, with pre-monsoon activity intensifying from June 11. A fresh Western Disturbance will impact the western Himalayan region from June 11, bringing widespread rainfall across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan between June 10 and June 14. Isolated to scattered rainfall is expected in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Temperature Fluctuations
Thunderstorms, lightning, and squalls with winds of 50–60 km/h are likely on June 11–12, with isolated hailstorms in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi. Maximum temperatures may rise slightly before falling sharply by 7–8°C from June 12, with Delhi expected to dip below 40°C, bringing relief from the heatwave.
Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid open areas, and follow official weather updates closely.
