Residents across Delhi-NCR were jolted by repeated emergency weather alerts on their phones overnight as thunderstorms, lightning and rain swept through the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that weather activity is likely to intensify from Friday, bringing more rain, strong winds and thunderstorms across the National Capital Region.
People in Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad received multiple alerts from Thursday night onwards, warning of severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and moderate to intense rainfall.
Rain and strong winds bring relief from heat
The change in weather came after a hot and humid day in the capital. Thunderstorms accompanied by rain and gusty winds moved across several parts of Delhi on Thursday night and continued into the early hours of Friday.
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According to the IMD, wind speeds reached 63 kmph at Palam and 48 kmph at Pusa. Several areas, including Gurugram, Jafarpur, Pusa, Lodhi Road and Mehrauli, recorded rainfall ranging from 6 mm to 10 mm till midnight.
Lajpat Nagar, Kalkaji, Tughlakabad), NCR ( Hindon AF Station, Ghaziabad, Indirapuram, Chhapraula, Noida, Dadri, Greater Noida, Faridabad, Ballabhgarh).
— RWFC New Delhi (@RWFC_ND) June 12, 2026
Light to moderate rainfall accompanied with light thunderstorm and lightning (40-60 Km/h gusty winds) is very likely to
The weather office said the storm system originated over Punjab before moving through Haryana and into Delhi-NCR. In Punjab, Sangrur reported wind speeds of up to 111 kmph.
Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 38.7 degree Celsius on Thursday, reported Hindustan Times. However, due to high humidity, the "feels like" temperature climbed to around 44 degrees before the weather changed.
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IMD issues alerts as storm activity continues
As dark clouds gathered over the city, gusty winds, lightning and rain were reported from multiple locations. Amid the ongoing weather activity, the IMD issued a red alert for the early hours of Friday, while an orange alert remained in effect for the broader region.
The department has forecast thunderstorms, lightning and strong surface winds of 70-80 kmph, with gusts that could reach 90 kmph. Rainfall is expected at most places, while isolated areas may receive moderate showers.
Children playing at the park amid sudden change in the weather as rain lashes parts of the national capital at RK Puram. File image/ANI Safety advice for residents
The IMD has urged people to move to safe buildings, avoid weak structures, stay away from windows and not take shelter under trees during thunderstorms. Residents have also been advised to avoid water bodies during severe weather.
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According to weather experts, the sudden shift in conditions has been caused by a cyclonic circulation over central Pakistan and adjoining areas, which has increased atmospheric instability across northwest India, including Delhi-NCR.
