Did you wake up to loud thunder and heavy rain hitting your windows in Delhi this morning? You’re not alone. A sudden and powerful storm system hit Delhi and nearby areas early Friday morning (May 2, 2025), according to IndianExpress. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) – India’s main weather office – had to issue special warnings as strong winds and heavy rainfall swept across the city.
The unexpected storm brought welcome relief from the ongoing heat wave but also caused many problems. Temperatures dropped quickly from 26.8°C to about 19°C as the rain poured down. This sudden change happened because of a dense cloud mass that moved into the region.
Storm Details at a Glance
The morning storm was quite powerful by Delhi standards. Wind speeds reached between 40 and 90 kilometers per hour – strong enough to knock down trees and damage some structures. The IMD quickly responded by issuing red and orange alerts for different parts of the city.
- Rainfall amounts: Between 15-60 mm across different areas
- Wind speeds: 40-90 km/hr
- Temperature drop: From 26.8°C to around 19°C
- Weather alerts: Red and orange warnings from IMD
Independent weather expert Navdeep Dahiya noted that this was not just a regular shower but a significant weather event. The Commission for Air Quality Management reported that the strong winds and rain actually helped improve Delhi’s air quality to “moderate” levels – a nice side benefit from the stormy weather.
Areas Most Affected
The storm didn’t hit all parts of Delhi equally. Some areas saw much more flooding and problems than others. If you live in these places, you probably faced more difficulties getting around this morning.
- Dwarka: Severe underpass flooding
- Pragati Maidan: Waterlogging on roads
- Palam: Heavy rainfall
- Lodhi Road: Fallen trees and water accumulation
- Pitampura: Road flooding
- Najafgarh: Waterlogging issues
Travel Problems and Flight Delays
If you were planning to fly today, you probably faced some serious delays. The storm caused major disruptions at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, affecting hundreds of travelers.
| Flight Issue | Numbers | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Delayed flights | Over 200 | Departures: ~50 minute delaysArrivals: ~35 minute delays |
| Diverted flights | 3 | 2 to Jaipur1 to Ahmedabad |
| Airline advisories | Multiple | Air India and IndiGo warned passengers to check flight status |
The good news is that flight operations have since returned to normal conditions, according to IndiaPost. However, if you’re flying in the next few days, it’s still smart to check your flight status before heading to the airport.
Damage and Safety Concerns
The storm unfortunately caused some serious damage and even loss of life. In a tragic incident, four family members – a woman and her three children – died when a tree fell on their tube well room in Jaffarpur Kalan, Dwarka, according to Times Of India.
The city’s emergency services were extremely busy handling storm-related calls. Delhi Fire Services received over 80 storm-related calls including uprooted trees and waterlogging.
- Safety warnings: IMD urged people to stay indoors during the storm
- Common damages: Fallen trees, broken power lines, flooded roads
- Emergency response: Fire services and disaster teams working across affected areas
What to Expect Next
This isn’t the end of the stormy weather for Delhi residents. The IMD has forecast more thunderstorms and rain in the coming days. Here’s what you can expect:
- May 4-5: More thunderstorms and rain expected
- May 6-7: Continued unsettled weather conditions
- Temperature outlook: Cooler than normal for early May
You should stay prepared for more disruptions if these weather patterns continue. Keep checking reliable weather updates and plan your travel accordingly. The unexpected May storms might be inconvenient, but they’re also bringing much-needed relief from the early summer heat.
Staying Safe During Storms
With more storms in the weather forecast, you need to take simple precautions. Avoid standing near trees or power lines during thunderstorms. Keep emergency numbers handy and check on elderly neighbors who might need help.
The current situation reminds us how quickly weather can change our plans. While the rain brings relief from heat, it also creates challenges. As Delhi continues to deal with these weather patterns, your awareness and preparation can make a big difference in staying safe.
