Delhi Braces for Rare May Thunderstorms as IMD Issues Red Alert

Key facts

• IMD has issued a 'red' alert for severe thunderstorms and hailstorms in Delhi on May 5.
• Delhi's maximum temperature is forecast at 33°C, well below the seasonal average.
• Wind speeds in Delhi may reach 40-50 km/h, with gusts up to 60 km/h in Uttarakhand.
• Five flights were diverted from Delhi airport due to weather conditions.
• Fifteen flights were diverted to Lucknow from Delhi, and two were cancelled.
• The western disturbance is expected to affect weather until at least May 10.
• AQI in Delhi dropped below 100, indicating clean air.

Unseasonal Storm Disrupts Capital

Delhi woke to an unusual May morning on Tuesday as dark clouds rolled in, bringing with them a rare combination of thunderstorms, hail, and gusty winds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) escalated its warning to a 'red' alert for severe thunderstorms and hailstorms across the national capital region, a stark contrast to the typical scorching heat of early summer. The sudden weather shift forced the diversion of five flights from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, with fifteen more flights rerouted to Lucknow and two outright cancellations. The disruptions rippled through the city's transport network as streets turned slippery and visibility dropped.

Western Disturbance Triggers Widespread Alerts

The IMD attributed the dramatic change to an active western disturbance, a weather system that originates in the Mediterranean and often brings rain to northern India. This particular disturbance has triggered alerts across multiple states, from Uttarakhand's high peaks to the plains of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Orange alerts have been issued for several districts in Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal, Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar, where heavy rain, lightning, and winds of 40-60 km/h are expected. Higher-altitude districts like Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh face additional risks of hailstorms and landslides.

Cooler Temperatures and Cleaner Air

For Delhi residents, the storm brought an unexpected gift: relief from the heat. The IMD forecasts a maximum temperature of 33°C and a minimum of 20°C on May 5, significantly lower than the typical May averages. The air quality index (AQI) dropped below 100, indicating 'satisfactory' air, a rarity for the capital. This respite is expected to last through May 10, with the IMD predicting that the region will remain under cloud cover with intermittent light to moderate rain. The cooler conditions are a boon for farmers, as the moisture benefits standing crops, but authorities warn of potential damage from hail and strong winds.

IPL Match and Public Events Face Weather Threat

The weather has cast a shadow over the scheduled IPL 2026 clash between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Fans and officials are closely monitoring the forecast, as rain could interrupt play. suggests a slow track, but the real variable remains the sky. Beyond cricket, the IMD has advised caution for travelers and tourists, especially in hilly regions where landslides and slippery roads pose dangers. In Uttar Pradesh, districts from Saharanpur to Varanasi are on alert for squalls and hail, with wind speeds potentially reaching 30-50 km/h.

Wider Impact Across Northern and Eastern India

The western disturbance's influence extends far beyond Delhi. In Himachal Pradesh, rain has been falling for days and is expected to continue until May 10. Bihar's capital Patna, along with Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Purnia, and Gaya, faces heavy rain with thunderstorms and potential waterlogging. Eastern India is bracing for even more severe conditions, with the IMD warning of winds up to 70 km/h in parts of the region. States like West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha are on alert for squalls and hailstorms. Meanwhile, southern India will experience a mix of heat and heavy rain, a pattern typical of the pre-monsoon season.

Outlook: Gradual Warming After May 10

Meteorologists suggest that the current weather pattern will persist for another two to three days before temperatures begin to rise again. The IMD's forecast indicates that after May 10, the region may see a return to more typical May heat, though the immediate relief is welcome. For now, the red alert remains in effect, and authorities urge residents to stay indoors during peak storm hours. The unusual May storm serves as a reminder of the increasing variability in weather patterns, even as the immediate effect is a cool, clean-air respite for millions.

The bottom line

• A western disturbance has triggered a rare May red alert for severe thunderstorms and hail in Delhi.
• Temperatures in Delhi are 10-15°C below normal, with a forecast high of 33°C on May 5.
• Flight operations at Delhi airport were disrupted, with 20 diversions and 2 cancellations.
• The IMD has issued orange and yellow alerts across northern and eastern India through May 9.
• The IPL match between DC and CSK faces potential rain interruptions.
• Clean air (AQI <100) and cooler weather are expected to last until at least May 10.