The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Delhi and Noida, and a red alert for Gurugram, forecasting moderate to severe thunderstorms with lightning and isolated hailstorms, adding that gusty winds of 60–80 kmph and thundersqualls are likely.
This comes after a forecast of strong thunderstorms with powerful winds, heavy rain, and a sharp temperature drop set to sweep across Delhi-NCR and surrounding regions this evening.
Meteorologists have pointed to intensifying weather activity that will bring dust storms gusting up to 60–80 kmph, followed by moderate to heavy showers, thunder, lightning, and chances of hail in some parts. Temperatures are expected to dip by 7°C-10°C from the current levels.
This much-needed change comes right after a long heat spell, where daytime temperatures climbed to 44-46°C and nights offered little relief, with some places recording their warmest May minimums in years above 32°C.
The heat left people drained, spiked power demand, and made daily life uncomfortable across the region. And now, relief is on the way.
The weather system bringing this short spell of relief is building near the Rajasthan-Haryana border and pushing eastward.
Satellite images show thick cloud bands stretching from areas like Ganganagar toward New Delhi and Agra. Such pre-monsoon thunderstorms are typical in late May, but after the recent extreme heat, this round stands out.
It promises a noticeable cool-down once the rain arrives, giving residents across multiple states a welcome break from the scorching conditions.
As of 4:00 pm on May 28, the IMD noted that light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 30–50 kmph is expected across Delhi-NCR, parts of Haryana including Rohtak and Rewari, and areas of Rajasthan such as Alwar over the next two hours.
Delhi-NCR is expected to see the main impact between 6:15 pm and 9 pm, with 60–80% of the area likely affected. Strong winds may stir up dust first, reducing visibility, so secure loose items, close windows, and avoid unnecessary travel during the peak.
The rain should bring quick relief, and will be followed by thunder and lightning that will provide the event with more intensity.
Before the storms reach Delhi-NCR, effects will first be felt in Haryana, from around 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm, covering significant parts of the state.
Punjab could see storms between 5:30 pm and 10 pm, while Chandigarh is likely to experience full impact from 8 pm onward into the night.
In Uttar Pradesh, western and southwest districts may have activity from 5 pm to 11 pm, with northwest areas affected later, from 8 pm to 1 am.
Timings can shift slightly by location, so staying updated with local alerts is important.
This evening’s weather shift won’t mark the full end of summer, but it should ease the intense heat that has gripped the region.
While the official monsoon onset has been delayed, a preview, marked by strong winds, lightning and some rain will have to make do.
Cooler gusts of winds are on the way, and after the recent heat spell many have endured, a refreshing change is just hours away.
