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Sudden Thunderstorm with 84 kmph Winds Shakes Delhi
New Delhi, April 11, 2025 — A powerful and unexpected thunderstorm rolled across India’s capital on Friday evening, bringing with it strong winds, scattered rain, and city-wide disruptions. The weather event caught many off guard as heavy gusts swept through the streets, uprooted trees, disrupted power, and forced changes to flight operations.
Storm Strikes in the Evening, Catches City Off Guard
The storm hit around 6:15 PM local time, mainly affecting southwestern parts of Delhi. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), wind speeds reached up to 84 kilometers per hour (about 52 mph) in some areas — enough to knock down trees and power lines. Nearby, Indira Gandhi International Airport recorded winds of 74 kmph, while Lodhi Road saw gusts up to 69 kmph.
Residents said the sky darkened quickly, followed by fierce winds and brief but intense rainfall. The temperature, which had been hovering near 100°F earlier in the day, quickly dropped, giving temporary relief from the heat.
Flights Delayed, Roads Blocked, Power Outages Reported
The impact on Delhi’s infrastructure was immediate:
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Air travel disruptions: Over 100 flights were delayed, and at least 35 incoming flights had to be diverted to other cities due to dangerous wind conditions.
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Traffic chaos: Several major roads became inaccessible due to fallen trees. Mathura Road, Lodhi Road, Najafgarh, Janakpuri, Dwarka, and Okhla were among the worst-hit. In Janakpuri, a large tree crashed onto a parked van, causing property damage.
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Power supply hit: Several neighborhoods experienced power outages as a result of falling trees damaging electrical lines. Crews were deployed overnight to restore power.
Emergency services were put on high alert, and clean-up crews were sent to clear debris and repair power lines.
Weather Update: Cooler Weekend Ahead
The IMD reported that the maximum temperature in Delhi dropped by more than 4 degrees Celsius due to the storm. On Friday, Safdarjung Observatory — the city’s official weather station — recorded a high of 35.8°C (96.4°F), down from 39.6°C (103.3°F) the day before.
The minimum temperature was 22.8°C (73°F), slightly above the seasonal average.
Forecasts for the weekend show some relief from the heat. Temperatures are expected to remain between 34°C and 36°C (93°F–96°F) on Saturday, and may rise slightly to 37°C–39°C (98°F–102°F) on Sunday.
IMD officials noted that the thunderstorm was a result of atmospheric instability — a mix of heat, humidity, and shifting air pressure — that triggered localized storm cells.
Local Reactions and Emergency Measures
Residents expressed surprise at the sudden change in weather. Many took to social media to share videos of trees swaying violently, debris flying, and flights grounded at the airport.
City officials have urged citizens to stay indoors during future weather alerts, avoid parking under trees, and to report any downed power lines or hazards to emergency services.
