Severe thunderstorm kills five, disrupts transport across Delhi-NCR

At least two fatalities were reported in Delhi and three in the National Capital Region (NCR) after severe thunderstorms swept through the region on the night of May 21, downing trees, blocking roads, and causing power outages.

Fatal incidents included a man with disabilities who was crushed by a fallen light pole near Lodhi Road, a 22-year-old resident of Maujpur who was killed by a falling tree in Gokalpuri, and a biker who died after being struck by a tree in Ghaziabad.

In another incident, a 50-year-old woman and her two-year-old grandson were struck by a railing grill that dislodged from the 22nd floor of a building. The woman died at the scene, and the child later died from his injuries in the hospital.

A 45-year-old laboratory technician died after a tree fell on him while walking in the NTPC Township in Dadri, Greater Noida.

Massive storm in Delhi followed by heavy rains n hailstorms. A large number of trees got uprooted and fell on vehicles parked in open. Lot of temporary shades have been damaged badly. Hope n pray that there’s no loss to life. @ANI @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/TEiwngYLTi

— Abhiram (@plungeinentropy) May 21, 2025

The storm followed a heat index of 50.2 °C (122.4 °F) recorded in Delhi earlier in the day. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the sudden change brought a fast-moving dust storm followed by intense hail and rainfall. The event was driven by a cyclonic circulation over Haryana, which drew in moisture from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, triggering rapid atmospheric convection.

The dust storm significantly reduced visibility and coated roads and buildings with a layer of fine particles. Residents in several districts reported hailstones ranging from 5 to 10 mm (0.2 to 0.4 inches) in diameter, which damaged vehicles, windowpanes, and street-side structures.

Social media footage captured thick dust clouds sweeping across roads before the onset of heavy rain and hail. Several users posted images of hail accumulation on vehicles and streets, with some reports of minor structural damage.

Winds gusting up to 80 km/h (50 mph) struck Safdarjung at around 20:00 local time (LT), followed by intense rain and hail in parts of Delhi.

Rainfall totals included 13.5 mm (0.5 inches) in Mayur Vihar, 12.1 mm (0.4 inches) at Safdarjung, 5 mm (0.2 inches) in Pitampura, and 2.1 mm in Palam.

The downpour led to a sharp drop in temperature from 37°C (98.6°F) at 19:30 LT to 23°C (73.4°F) by 20:30 LT.

Massive thunderstorm with 60-70 kmph wind followed by hailing
#Delhi #whether
Blackout all over the place .

What the hell going on
what a turn around in whether in morning heat is like hell (45°)and now whether is like Commonwealth Bay pic.twitter.com/6kqsfhzAjI

— ZIN… (@Ram_Zin_) May 21, 2025

Visuals from greater noida #DelhiRains pic.twitter.com/Xd95dINMf5

— NOVA (@vnova240) May 21, 2025

#Delhi's ever changing mood – unbearable heat and humidity through the day & rain and hail storm by the night.
Ufff#rain #DelhiRains #DelhiWeather #RainAlert #Weather #WeatherAlert #clouds #stome pic.twitter.com/WPdfamET8U

— _puja_seth_ (@PujaSet50968724) May 21, 2025

The storms caused significant travel disruptions, with at least 10 flights diverted to Jaipur and Mumbai, and over 50 delayed.

Delhi Metro services were affected on the Red, Yellow, and Pink Lines due to debris falling on the tracks. Services were restored by late evening.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for hot and humid conditions through Saturday, May 24, forecasting maximum temperatures of 39–41°C (102–106°F).