Hailstorm Hits Delhi/NCR : Another Spell Shortly
Key Takeaways
- Sudden dust storm followed by thunderstorm impacted Delhi/NCR with localized rainfall and hail.
- Temperatures dropped sharply, by 10°C–17°C in affected pockets.
- Strong pre-monsoon activity likely between 02–07 May, peaking 04–06 May.
- No heat wave expected in the first half of May despite temporary temperature rise.
A fast-moving dust storm hit parts of Delhi/NCR yesterday evening. It was followed by a thunderstorm, accompanied by gusty winds and a hailstorm in some pockets. The storm moved across the northern peripheries of Delhi and lashed Ghaziabad and Noida with an identical and typical pre-monsoonal pattern. It just brushed the eastern parts of Delhi, next to Noida. Mayur Vihar logged 5.5 mm rainfall. Noida and Hindon Air Base also recorded 8.5 mm and 10.5 mm rainfall respectively, accompanied by strong winds in excess of 50 km/h. Both the main observatories of Delhi, Safdarjung and Palam, did not receive any rainfall. However, the temperatures plunged by over 10°C at both places after the storm. Mercury levels crashed by 16°–17°C in hail-stricken areas of Ghaziabad and Noida. Ayanagar, Lodi Road, and Pragati Maidan also nosedived by over 10°C during this period. More activity is likely, starting Sunday and lasting till mid-week next.
There is a cyclonic circulation over North Rajasthan in the lower levels. Another circulation is embedded in the east-west trough along the Indo-Gangetic plains over Southwest Uttar Pradesh. The trough line joining the two circulations will keep oscillating north-south and triggering weather over Delhi and its neighbourhood. A fresh Western Disturbance is arriving in the late hours of 02nd May 2026 and will further accentuate pre-monsoon activity. Today, the trough line is passing north of Delhi at a fairly safe distance. Therefore, Delhi may not witness any significant weather hazard.
The trough will start shifting southward tomorrow and so, thunderstorm activity could begin, maybe on a milder note, and pick up gradually. A prolonged spell of rain, thunderstorm, dust storm, gusty winds, and lightning is expected between 02nd and 07th May 2026. Peak weather activity is expected between 04th and 06th May, when intensity and spread could grow large. The spillover effect may even last for the subsequent two days, on 08th & 09th May 2026.
In the absence of any significant weather, the temperature may rise to about 40°C (±1°C) today and tomorrow. Mercury will take a dip and remain between 35°–37°C during next week. Heat wave conditions are unlikely during the first half of May 2026.
