Severe Thunderstorm and 76 Kmph Winds Batter Delhi as IMD Issues Red Alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi-NCR after a severe thunderstorm battered the region around midnight leading into June 13, 2026. The powerful storm system brought strong winds, lightning, dust storms, and widespread rain to the capital, with localized impacts recorded across Palam, Narayana, Pragati Maidan, Safdarjung, Jafarpur, and Janakpuri.

According to the IMD, wind speeds peaked at midnight, with Palam recording gusts of 76 kmph. Other monitoring stations in Delhi also registered significant wind activity, including Narayana and Pragati Maidan at 52 kmph, Safdarjung at 44 kmph, Jafarpur at 43 kmph, and Janakpuri at 31 kmph.

The weather department warned that the dust storms and thunderstorms could bring winds ranging from 60 to 80 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 100 kmph across the National Capital Region. The warning, which was issued shortly after 11 p.m. on Friday, also covered adjacent districts in Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, and eastern Rajasthan.

The storm system extended into Uttar Pradesh, prompting severe thunderstorm warnings for districts including Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Meerut, Baghpat, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Mathura, Hathras, and Agra. The Lucknow Meteorological Centre forecast winds of 70 to 80 kmph gusting to 100 kmph, alongside moderate to intense rainfall in these areas.

IMD scientists attributed the sudden, severe weather to strong convective activity. This activity was fueled by a combination of abundant moisture, intense daytime heating, and the interaction of multiple weather systems moving across Northwest India.

The IMD advised local residents to remain indoors during the storm. Residents were also cautioned to avoid sheltering under trees, stay away from electric poles and unsecured structures, and avoid unnecessary travel.

This severe weather event follows a highly active pre-monsoon season characterized by intense heat, dust storms, and sharp temperature fluctuations. Earlier in the week on Tuesday, Delhi recorded a peak wind speed of 120 kmph, marking the highest wind speed recorded in the capital in 21 years.