On the evening of 21 May 2025, Delhi and the wider NCR were suddenly struck by a severe storm system featuring dust squalls, thunder, heavy rain and hail. This dramatic weather shift followed days of intense heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted a heat index ("feels like" temperature) of about 50.2°C in Delhi that afternoon, with the maximum temperature reaching 40.7°C. The storm was driven by an upper-level cyclonic circulation over Haryana and intensified by moisture from both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. The dust storm and thunderstorms brought gusty winds (50–70 km/h) and sudden downpours, sharply lowering temperatures and temporarily providing relief from the heat.

Meteorological Data and Statistics

Official weather reports highlight the intensity of the storm. IMD readings showed wind gusts of up to 79 km/h at Safdarjung (central Delhi) and about 72–74 km/h at Palam in Delhi during the peak of the storm. Other parts of the city saw gusts around 60–70 km/h. The Safdarjung Observatory recorded about 12.2 mm of rainfall between 5:30pm and 8:30pm on 21 May. Mayur Vihar in east Delhi measured about 13 mm in the same period.

Prior to the storm, Safdarjung's recorded maximum was 40.7°C (0.5° above normal) and minimum 30.2°C (3.5° above normal) that day. The rapid onset of rain and hail caused the temperature to drop; IMD forecasts for the next day (22 May) indicated cooler skies and maximums around 38–40°C (below normal).

Impact and Disruptions

The storm caused widespread disruption across Delhi-NCR. Gusty winds uprooted trees and toppled hoardings and signboards in many areas. In Noida, for example, the large "Welcome to Noida" highway sign collapsed in the high winds. Waterlogging was reported on major roads (e.g. Akshardham Flyover, Tilak Bridge near ITO) due to heavy rain. Several traffic arteries were snarled – the Noida–Greater Noida Expressway, Kalindi Kunj border and DND Flyway all saw massive jams.

Power lines were downed across parts of the capital, causing outages in many localities. Tragically, one person was killed by a falling electric pole on Lodhi Road in central Delhi during the storm. Public transport was hit as well. Metro services on the Red, Yellow and Pink Lines were delayed or halted; Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said fallen debris and damage to overhead electrical equipment forced temporary shutdowns at stations such as Shaheed Nagar, Jahangirpuri and Nizamuddin.

At Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, operations were disrupted: incoming and outbound flights were delayed, and airlines (IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet) issued travel advisories urging passengers to check flight status. The Delhi Airport authorities also posted advisories (on social media) warning of weather-related delays and asking travellers to verify flight schedules with carriers.

Official Warnings and Responses

The IMD and local authorities issued multiple alerts and advisories as the storm developed. By around 8:30pm on 21 May, the IMD raised a red alert for Delhi-NCR, warning of very active thunderstorms with gusty winds in the following hours. The forecast bulletins had predicted "dust-raising winds towards evening" and thunderstorms with wind speeds up to 50 km/h for 21 May.

Delhi Metro announced it would operate with caution: if winds exceed certain thresholds, trains would slow or hold at platforms to ensure safety. Traffic police teams were placed on high alert to remove obstacles and manage jams caused by fallen trees. In neighbouring Gurgaon and Noida, municipal teams were also on standby to clear debris and restore power.

Safety Guidelines and Precautions

Authorities advised the public to follow standard storm-safety measures. Residents were urged to stay indoors during thunderstorms and dust storms. People were told to keep away from doors, windows and metal structures, and to stay off verandas or rooftops during high winds. It was recommended to unplug non-essential electrical appliances and avoid taking baths or using running water when lightning is in the area.

Commuters were asked to avoid travel during the storm; if caught outside, they should seek sturdy shelter (e.g. under a concrete building) and stay clear of trees and power lines. Drivers were advised to use low-beam headlights (dippers) and drive slowly in heavy rain or dust. In dust-storm conditions, health advisories generally recommend covering the nose and mouth (for example with a damp cloth or mask) and minimizing outdoor exposure to prevent respiratory irritation.