The weather in Delhi-NCR is set to undergo a significant change as thunderstorms, rain, and strong winds are expected from May 1 to May 4, 2025. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow Alert for the region, forecasting wind speeds of up to 60 km/h, which will bring relief from the extreme heat of recent days. As pre-monsoon activity takes hold, temperatures are expected to drop, and people have been advised to stay alert during this period of unsettled weather.
Residents of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad can expect heavy rain and strong gusts of wind over the next few days. The IMD’s warning comes as a part of ongoing pre-monsoon conditions that are likely to bring cooler temperatures and a break from the intense heatwave. The Yellow Alert issued by the IMD signals that residents should be cautious about the changing weather. The IMD has also advised avoiding non-essential travel during the storms, which could affect visibility and road conditions.
The weather pattern isn’t just changing in Delhi-NCR. Several other regions of India will experience rain and thunderstorms over the next few days. Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar are likely to witness similar weather as pre-monsoon activity continues to spread. Although these areas will experience a much-needed dip in temperatures, the IMD has also issued a caution for higher-than-normal temperatures across various parts of the country. Heatwaves remain a concern in certain areas through May, and people are urged to take preventive measures.
For those in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the IMD forecasts light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds (40-60 km/h) from May 1 to May 6. The weather is expected to be particularly unsettled in these areas, with the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall. Additionally, hailstorms have been warned for several regions, including Sikkim on May 1 and May 3, and Bihar on May 1. Odisha and East Madhya Pradesh are also on alert for hailstorms on May 2 and May 3, while Chhattisgarh could see similar weather from May 1 to May 3 in scattered areas.
While rain brings relief to some regions, Rajasthan is expected to experience heatwave conditions, particularly in Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Jodhpur. According to the IMD, the next 24 hours will see no significant change in temperature, but a slight drop of 3–5°C is expected afterward. In addition to the heat, some parts of the state may experience thunderstorms, light rain, and strong winds by Thursday afternoon.
The IMD has also predicted scattered rain and thunderstorms in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Sikkim until May 3. Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh are expected to see similar weather patterns until May 5, with rain and wind speeds of 40–60 km/h.
In a respite from the heatwave conditions plaguing Delhi, the IMD has predicted heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds over the next three days, while putting a yellow alert in place for the national capital. Temperatures are also likely to dip over east and central India with light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds over states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Sikkim, East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh.
Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 26.8 degrees Celsius, 2.1 notches above the season’s average, on Thursday morning, with a maximum temperature expected to settle around 37 degrees Celsius. The weather office said thunderstorms with rain are likely. The air quality was recorded in the ‘moderate’ category as the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 167 at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
A fresh and active Western disturbance is likely to impact Northwest India from May 2. Under its influence, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will experience light to moderate rainfall coupled with heavy winds and lightning. A dust storm accompanied by gusty winds is also very likely at isolated places over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
As the IMD forecasted pre-monsoon rain and thunderstorms in Mumbai and neighbouring districts starting May 4, it also predicted a rise in temperature over the weekend, with temperatures soaring up to 35 degrees Celsius between Friday and Saturday. A yellow warning has been alerted for several districts of the Vidarbha region owing to the possibility of thunderstorms, gusty winds, and lightning.
Meanwhile, the IMD has issued a heatwave alert for isolated pockets of Jammu division and parts of Rajasthan. Hot and humid weather is likely to prevail over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Yanam. Gujarat and Maharashtra may also experience dry spells of heat coupled with humidity.
The IMD has shared weather updates for different regions in India. The weather office forecasted rain in some parts of the country while issuing heat wave alerts in other places. April 2025 saw sharp weather contrasts, as per IMD. The month was the 50th driest April recorded nationwide since 1901. Yet southern and central India recorded substantial rainfall. The southern peninsular region experienced its 13th highest April rainfall since 1901 and 5th highest since 2001, while central India recorded its 28th highest April on record. Maximum daily temperatures across India were the 8th highest ever recorded for April, while minimum temperatures ranked 9th highest.
Overall, as the IMD continues to monitor the changing weather patterns, residents across India are urged to stay informed and prepared for the potential impacts of these weather changes. The coming days promise a mix of relief from the heat and the challenges posed by thunderstorms and rain.
