Delhi-NCR get rain relief after days of heatwave conditions

Strong winds, thunderstorms and rain in parts of Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad brought relief to residents after several days of intense heat, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for dust storms and thunderstorms across the region.

Several parts of Delhi witnessed gusty winds and rainfall on Friday, leading to a sharp fall in temperatures and reduced visibility in some areas.

The IMD said temporary relief from heatwave conditions is expected across northwest India, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, due to thunderstorm activity over the region. However, temperatures are expected to rise again from Sunday (May 23, 2026) onwards.

According to the weather department, wind speeds during the dust storm and thunderstorm activity reached up to 81 kmph at Pusa Road, 56 kmph at Palam and 35 kmph at Pragati Maidan.

Visibility levels also dropped significantly during the weather activity. At Palam airport, visibility reduced from 3,500 metres to 1,500 metres within one hour, according to the IMD.

The weather office said squally winds were prevailing over Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) and advised residents to remain indoors until weather conditions improve and the winds dissipate. Light to moderate rainfall was recorded in several parts of the city.

The IMD has forecast light to moderate rain, moderate thunderstorms with lightning and very light rainfall at isolated places. Wind speeds are expected to reach up to 80 kmph.

The maximum temperature is likely to settle around 44 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to hover near 28 degrees Celsius.

“The wind direction has changed. Till yesterday (May 22), winds were coming from over the Thar desert, which made the air extremely dry. Today (May 23), the wind direction has changed because of which the dryness in the air will reduce,” Mahesh Palawat from Skymet Weather said.

Delhi had witnessed heatwave-like conditions over the past several days, with temperatures crossing the 45 degrees Celsius mark in many parts of the city along with persistent warm night conditions.