New Delhi: 

This warning follows what has already been an extraordinary and deadly May for the National Capital Region (NCR), which has seen unprecedented rainfall and violent pre-monsoon storms. The IMD initially sounded a yellow alert for midweek, but as atmospheric conditions worsened, Friday’s warning was elevated to an orange alert, indicating a higher likelihood of severe and potentially disruptive weather.

The National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi is once again on high alert with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of more intense weather in the coming days. A fresh round of yellow and orange alerts has been issued for the city, forecasting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds that could reach speeds of up to 70 km/h between Wednesday and Friday. However, no such weather condition was reported from NCR yesterday, notably, the rain-related alert remains in effect in the capital and its surrounding cities.

Wind speeds are expected to increase significantly over the next few days, from 50 km/h on Wednesday to as much as 70 km/h by Friday. These gusts, coupled with heavy rain, could exacerbate the risks already laid bare by a volatile pre-monsoon spell that has taken a deadly toll.

‘Above normal’ rain expected in India this year

Looking ahead, Delhi and neighbouring states like Haryana and Chandigarh are set for an above-normal monsoon season, with rainfall expected to reach 114 per cent of the long-period average. For Delhi, that means a likely seasonal total well above the usual 431 mm. Nationally, India is projected to receive 106 per cent of the average rainfall between June and September, officially classed as ‘above normal’.

Unseasonal rains claim 12 lives in Delhi NCR so far

Since early May, Delhi has experienced five major weather events, which have claimed at least 12 lives in the NCR. Fatal incidents have been attributed to building collapses, electrocutions, and trees uprooted by fierce winds. Just this past Sunday, a three-hour deluge brought the city to a standstill, disrupting flights, plunging several areas into darkness, and leaving roads submerged. The storm exposed the capital’s enduring struggles with inadequate drainage and overburdened infrastructure.

Rains in May breaks all previous records in Delhi

So far this month, Delhi has recorded a staggering 186.4 mm of rainfall, the highest for May since record-keeping began—smashing the previous record of 165 mm set in 2008. This figure dwarfs the long-term monthly average of just 30.7 mm and, with more downpours forecast, the total is expected to cross the 200 mm mark in the coming days.

Meanwhile, as per IMD the seasonal rains reached Kerala on May 24, almost a week ahead of schedule and swept into Mumbai by May 26, well before the city’s typical onset date of June 11.

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