Delhi-NCR IMD yellow alert: Rain, thunderstorms, 40-50 kmph winds on May 13
Synopsis
A Western Disturbance is set to lash Delhi-NCR on Tuesday with thunderstorms, lightning, and winds up to 50 kmph — offering brief relief from summer heat before temperatures climb back to 40°C by 18 May. The IMD yellow alert covers the full day, with the worst conditions expected in the afternoon and evening.
Key Takeaways
IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi-NCR on 13 May 2025 , warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.
Wind speeds may reach 40–50 kmph during afternoon and evening hours.
Maximum temperature expected at 35°C , minimum at 27°C on Tuesday.
A Western Disturbance and local meteorological activity are driving the sudden weather change.
AQI readings ranged from 122 (JNU) to 194 (Wazirpur) ahead of the rain; improvement expected post-showers.
Temperatures forecast to rise to 40°C by 18 May as skies clear from 15 May onwards.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'yellow alert' for Delhi-NCR on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds as a Western Disturbance triggers a sharp shift in weather conditions across the capital region. Residents have been urged to exercise caution throughout the day, with conditions expected to intensify by afternoon and evening.
What the IMD Yellow Alert Means for Tuesday
The IMD has forecast overcast skies with light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning for most of the day. During the forenoon, wind speeds are expected to range between 30 and 40 kmph, while squally conditions in the afternoon and evening could push gusts to 40–50 kmph. The maximum temperature is projected to hover around 35 degrees Celsius, with the minimum settling at approximately 27 degrees Celsius.
Weather activity is forecast to persist into the night, with light rainfall expected across several areas of the National Capital Region (NCR). The department has warned of continuous thunderstorm-with-rain conditions throughout the day, making it one of the more active weather days for Delhi this month.
Safety Advisories Issued for Residents
The IMD and civic authorities have advised residents to avoid open spaces, trees, and electric poles during thunderstorms. Traffic movement may be disrupted due to heavy winds and reduced visibility. Farmers and workers engaged in construction activities have been specifically advised to take precautionary measures and suspend outdoor operations where possible.
Air Quality Snapshot Across Delhi
Ahead of the rain, Air Quality Index (AQI) readings recorded across Delhi showed elevated pollution levels in several areas. Wazirpur logged the highest reading at 194, followed by Anand Vihar at 193, Rohini at 192, Bawana at 172, and Sonia Vihar at 165. Other monitored stations included Dwarka Sector-8 at 180, Nehru Nagar at 175, DTU at 142, IIT Delhi at 146, Aya Nagar at 147, R.K. Puram at 141, Chandni Chowk at 125, and JNU at 122. The incoming rain and winds are expected to improve AQI levels across the city.
Five-Day Forecast: Relief Now, Heat Returns by Weekend
Similar cloudy conditions with a possibility of thunderstorms are expected to continue on Wednesday, 14 May, with temperatures again near 35/26 degrees Celsius. However, the IMD forecasts a gradual improvement from 15 May onwards, with skies clearing and temperatures rising steadily — 37/25°C on 15 May, 38/26°C on 16 May, 39/27°C on 17 May, and up to 40/27°C by 18 May. No weather warnings have been issued for those days. Weather experts attribute the current disruption to the combined influence of a Western Disturbance and localised meteorological activity over the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
While the rain brings temporary respite from the heat, Delhi is on course for a return to peak summer temperatures by the end of the week.
Point of View
But the speed of Delhi's weather reversal — from near-40°C heat to sub-36°C thunderstorm days and back within a week — underscores how compressed and volatile the pre-monsoon window has become in the capital. More critically, AQI readings above 190 in Wazirpur and Anand Vihar just before the rain highlight that Delhi's air quality remains in the 'moderate-to-poor' band even outside peak winter smog season. The rain will flush pollutants temporarily, but the structural sources — traffic, construction dust, and biomass burning — will reassert themselves the moment the skies clear. The real story is not the storm, but the 40°C return by 18 May.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the IMD yellow alert for Delhi-NCR mean?
A yellow alert from the IMD signals that residents should 'be aware' of potentially disruptive weather. For Delhi-NCR on 13 May 2025, it warns of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds up to 50 kmph, with light to moderate rainfall expected throughout the day.
When will the weather be worst in Delhi on Tuesday?
Conditions are expected to be most severe during the afternoon and evening hours on 13 May 2025, when squally winds of 40–50 kmph and lightning activity are forecast. The forenoon will see lighter rainfall with winds at 30–40 kmph.
What safety precautions should Delhi residents take during the thunderstorm?
The IMD advises residents to avoid open spaces, trees, and electric poles during thunderstorm activity. Farmers and construction workers have been told to halt outdoor activities, and traffic disruptions are expected due to strong winds and reduced visibility.
Will the rain improve Delhi's air quality?
Yes, according to weather experts, the rain and strong winds are expected to improve the Air Quality Index across Delhi. Several stations were recording AQI levels between 122 and 194 ahead of the showers, and a post-rain improvement is anticipated.
When will Delhi's heat return after this weather event?
The IMD forecasts a gradual return to hot, clear conditions from 15 May 2025 onwards. Temperatures are expected to reach 40°C by 18 May, with mostly clear skies and no weather warnings issued for that period.
