Delhi Weather Update: IMD Issues ‘Red’ Alert Amid Sudden Weather Shift Across NCR

After days of intense heat, residents of Delhi finally experienced relief as rain lashed several parts of the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for severe thunderstorms and hailstorms across large areas of the national capital, signalling a significant shift in weather conditions this May.

According to the IMD, the city is very likely to witness severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail, dust storms, and moderate rainfall. Gusty winds of up to 80 kmph are also expected, with some areas likely to see particularly intense thunderstorm activity.

Areas Under Red And Orange Alerts In Delhi-NCR Region

The weather department has placed several districts under a "red" alert, including Outer North Delhi, Northwest Delhi, West Delhi, Southwest Delhi, parts of North Delhi, Central Delhi, Northeast Delhi, and Shahdara. Meanwhile, South Delhi, Southeast Delhi, and some parts of North Delhi remain under an "orange" alert. Similar weather conditions are also likely at isolated locations across the wider Delhi-NCR region.

IMD Warning And Possible Impact

The IMD has outlined a range of potential impacts from the approaching storm system. Large tree branches may snap, and weak or ageing trees could be uprooted. Lightning poses a serious risk, particularly near tall structures such as trees and electric poles. Municipal services, including power supply, may face temporary disruptions due to the storm.

Authorities have also warned of broader disruptions. Damage to kutcha houses, huts, and other weak structures is possible, along with partial collapse of boundary walls. Driving conditions may become hazardous, increasing the risk of road accidents. Vehicles could also be damaged by falling branches or debris.

May Weather Outlook For The Rest Of India

The IMD has also shared its broader forecast for May, indicating mixed temperature patterns across the country. In its monthly outlook, the department said maximum temperatures are expected to remain normal to below normal in many regions. However, above-normal temperatures are likely in parts of southern peninsular India, as well as in some areas of the northeast and northwest.

Minimum temperatures, meanwhile, are expected to stay above normal across large parts of the country, though some regions in the northwest, central India, and adjoining peninsular areas may experience relatively cooler nights.

Rainfall activity is expected to be stronger than usual this month. The weather agency stated that the rainfall during May 2026, averaged over the country as a whole, is most likely to be above normal (>110% of LPA). However, parts of east, northeast, and east-central India may still receive below-normal rainfall.

The department also warned of above-normal heatwave days in some regions, including the foothills of the Himalayas, east coast states, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

On the climate front, the IMD noted evolving conditions, with ENSO-neutral patterns gradually shifting towards El Niño. Positive Indian Ocean Dipole conditions may also develop later, which is likely to have a significant impact on the Indian monsoon season.