Heavy rain lashes parts of Delhi-NCR as IMD issues red alert for thunderstorms and strong winds

Heavy rain lashed parts of Delhi-NCR on Monday, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a red alert for thunderstorms and rain and warning of strong winds in the region.

The latest reporting said some pockets of the capital region could see winds of up to 90 kmph. Earlier coverage had already flagged thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds for Delhi and adjoining areas, but Monday’s rain marked a sharper escalation in conditions.

The rain follows several days of unstable weather in the region. On June 14, Delhi recorded 38.5°C, below the seasonal average, before forecasts pointed to rain and gusty winds on Monday. By Monday morning, reports said the city was already seeing steady rainfall, with IMD projecting a wet spell across northwest India through June 19.

What IMD has said

IMD’s warnings have varied across bulletins and reports, with earlier forecasts citing winds of 60-70 kmph and gusts up to 80 kmph. The latest coverage raised the upper end of the wind forecast to 90 kmph.

The weather system has been linked to an active western disturbance affecting northwest India, which has kept Delhi-NCR under repeated thunderstorm and rain alerts in early June.

What to watch next

The immediate focus is whether IMD upgrades, extends or downgrades the alert as the system moves through the region. Any reports of disruption to flights, roads, trees or power supply would also determine how much impact the storm system has on daily life in Delhi-NCR.

For now, the main verified development is the return of heavy rain and strong winds to the capital region, alongside a red alert that points to continued volatility in the short term.