Severe Thunderstorm Lash Delhi/NCR: Air Operations Hit; More Activity Likely
Representational Image: AI-Skymet
Key Takeaways:
- Rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds are likely across Delhi-NCR between 29th and 31st May.
- The most intense and widespread weather activity is expected on 30th May.
- Isolated hailstorms may accompany the thunderstorm activity.
- Day temperatures will remain near 36°C before gradually rising from 1st June onward.
Heavy rains, gusty winds, and lightning strikes lashed Delhi/NCR yesterday evening. Severe thunderstorms, strong winds, and poor visibility resulted in the diversion of multiple aircraft to neighbouring airfields such as Jaipur and Lucknow. Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad also witnessed a decent spell of rain and thundershowers. Base station Safdarjung and airport observatory Palam recorded 4 mm of rainfall each. Similar rainfall was received at most other stations in the Delhi area. Temperatures plunged by 8°C-10°C during the thunderstorm activity. More pre-monsoon activity is expected over the next three days, between 29th and 31st May 2026.
A western disturbance is moving across the northern mountains. An induced cyclonic circulation is marked over Northwest Rajasthan and adjoining border areas. An east-west trough is extending and joining the circulation over Southwest Uttar Pradesh. This trough will gradually shift southward but remain in proximity to Delhi.
Under the combined influence of these systems, typical pre-monsoon activity, with rain and thundershowers accompanied by strong winds, is likely between 29th and 31st May. The peak intensity and widespread activity are likely on 30th May 2026. Isolated hailstorm activity may also accompany the stormy conditions. The trough will shift considerably south of Delhi on 31st May and, therefore, the scale and spread of the activity will shrink. The remnant effect will also be seen on 1st June 2026.
With the increased weather activity, the heat will be moderated substantially during the next three days. Day temperatures will drop to about 36°C (+/- 1°C) over the next three days. These will start rising from 1st June onwards and may reach 40°C or more by the middle of next week. However, any steep climb is unlikely, and heat wave conditions will remain abated over the Delhi area during the next week.
