Delhi on High Alert: A Stormy Week Ahead
Delhi residents usually long for relief when summer heatwaves stretch on, but what’s coming up might leave people trading stifling afternoons for stormy evenings. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced a Delhi weather warning from June 15 to June 21, covering not just the city but the entire National Capital Region. For those planning outdoor errands or just looking for a regular workday commute, the week ahead will be anything but predictable.
The IMD’s yellow alert points to daily thunderstorms with light to moderate rainfall, alongside gusty winds. These aren’t just polite breezes—the forecast warns of winds hitting anywhere from 50 up to 100 kilometres per hour. That’s strong enough to break branches, topple billboards, and snap power lines. Recent storms in the area already caused mobile towers to fall and power outages, especially in localities like Safdarjung Enclave. Add in waterlogged roads, and you get long delays and chaos for drivers and pedestrians alike.
While the rainfall promises much-needed respite from the recent punishing heat—maximum temperatures could drop to about 36°C, with nights cooling down to 20–24°C—these storms have quickly shown they come with their own problems. Every year, Delhi’s drainage struggles with even moderate downpours, so waterlogging looks likely. Those evening and nighttime wind bursts, which the IMD says can jump up to 70 kmph in sudden waves, mean branches and power lines can come down with little warning. Emergency crews and traffic police will have their hands full redirecting vehicles and clearing blockages throughout the week.
Storm Systems: Why Is Delhi Facing These Conditions?
This isn’t just a local spell of bad weather. Three key systems are at play. First, there is a steady stream of moisture travelling all the way from the Bay of Bengal. Think of it as the monsoon clouds being pushed right over the city. On top of that, a cyclonic circulation spinning above north Rajasthan is throwing even more instability into the air, giving these thunderstorms plenty of fuel. Finally, a western disturbance—a term meteorologists use for storms swept in over Pakistan and northwest India—is adding a final burst of energy, making heavy rain more likely and pushing wind speeds even higher.
The result is a rare mix: near-daily showers, temperature drops, and multiple rounds of intense winds. Isolated neighbourhoods might experience sudden, powerful rainfall bursts, while others see steady moderate drizzle. The IMD has cautioned people to pay special attention during the evenings and nights, when the risk of fast-moving thunderstorm cells is highest. Those who can are better off staying indoors, or, if they need to go out, keeping an eye on live alerts to dodge the worst-affected roads.
- If you live in a low-lying neighbourhood, be prepared for possible flooding after heavy showers.
- Charge devices in advance and keep torches handy—power cuts could become more frequent during wind surges.
- Secure loose items on balconies and rooftops, as gusts can easily toss them far and wide.
Delhi’s summer storms seem set to dominate the city's rhythm through the week, bringing the much-needed break from a relentless heatwave, but demanding new routines for safety and daily life.