Delhi-NCR rain and thunderstorms to continue till May 31, IMD forecasts 5-7°C drop
Synopsis
After days of temperatures touching 49°C, a dramatic pre-monsoon storm system swept through Delhi-NCR on Thursday evening — and the IMD says the relief isn't over. Rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds are forecast to continue across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad through 31 May, with a 5-7°C temperature drop expected to follow.
Key Takeaways
The IMD has forecast rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds across Delhi-NCR through 31 May 2025 .
Temperatures are expected to decline by 5 to 7 degrees Celsius after 29 May .
Thursday's storms followed a heatwave that pushed daytime temperatures to between 44°C and 49°C across several North Indian cities.
Cities affected include Delhi , Noida , Ghaziabad , Gurugram , and Faridabad .
The weather system moved eastward from Rajasthan and Haryana , with cloud cover extending toward Agra .
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds across Delhi-NCR through 31 May, bringing sustained relief from a brutal heatwave that had pushed temperatures between 44°C and 49°C across several parts of northern India. As of 29 May, weather conditions across the region remained pleasant and comfortable since morning.
What the IMD Forecast Says
According to the weather department, Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad are expected to see cloudy skies, intermittent rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds as a fresh spell of pre-monsoon activity pushes through northern India. The IMD has also predicted a temperature decline of around 5 to 7 degrees Celsius after 29 May, which is expected to provide sustained relief from the severe heatwave that gripped the region over the past week.
How Thursday's Storm Unfolded
The relief began on Thursday evening when thunderstorms, dust storms, hail, and heavy rain swept across large parts of North India. Dark clouds engulfed the sky over Delhi-NCR, accompanied by strong winds and lightning. Gusty winds lashed several parts of the national capital before intense showers began in areas such as Tughlakabad, causing temperatures to fall sharply. Visibility dropped and traffic movement was disrupted in several NCR cities.
The Heatwave Context
The sudden weather change follows one of the harshest heat spells of the season across North India. Daytime temperatures had crossed 45°C in multiple cities, while nights remained unusually warm — making conditions particularly difficult for outdoor workers and the urban poor. The weather system originated over Rajasthan and Haryana before moving eastward toward Delhi-NCR, with satellite imagery showing dense cloud formations extending toward Agra and adjoining regions.
What Residents Can Expect Next
The pre-monsoon spell is likely to keep temperatures suppressed and skies overcast through the end of May. Residents should expect intermittent showers and the possibility of further dust storms or gusty winds. The IMD's extended outlook suggests the wet spell will taper after 31 May, though the actual monsoon onset over Delhi typically occurs in late June.
Point of View
Arriving as sharp, disruptive events rather than gradual seasonal transitions. Temperatures swinging from 49°C to storm-lashed skies within 24 hours is not normal weather variability; it reflects a broader volatility in North India's climate that infrastructure and public health systems are not yet built to absorb. The IMD's 5-7°C forecast drop is welcome, but the window before the next heat spell — and the eventual monsoon — remains a critical vulnerability for daily-wage workers and the city's unhoused population.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the rain and thunderstorms last in Delhi-NCR?
According to the IMD, the current spell of rain and thunderstorm activity is likely to continue across Delhi-NCR till 31 May. After that, conditions are expected to gradually stabilise ahead of the monsoon season.
How much will temperatures drop in Delhi after the storms?
The IMD has predicted a decline of around 5 to 7 degrees Celsius across Delhi-NCR after 29 May. This follows a heatwave that had pushed daytime temperatures to between 44°C and 49°C in several areas.
Which areas in NCR are likely to be affected by the rain and storms?
Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad are all expected to witness cloudy skies, intermittent rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds as the pre-monsoon spell continues.
What caused the sudden weather change in Delhi-NCR on 29 May?
A pre-monsoon weather system moved eastward from Rajasthan and Haryana toward Delhi-NCR, bringing thunderstorms, dust storms, hail, and heavy rain. Satellite imagery showed dense cloud formations extending toward Agra and adjoining regions.
Was there any disruption due to the storms in Delhi-NCR?
Yes, Thursday evening's storms reduced visibility and disrupted traffic movement in several NCR cities. Gusty winds and lightning were reported across parts of Delhi, with heavy showers beginning in areas such as Tughlakabad.
