When Dr. V. K. Sood, Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) released the latest bulletins on May 22, 2025, residents of Delhi finally felt a break from the blistering heat that had lingered for weeks. The relief came right after a devastating dust stormDelhi tore through the capital, leaving three dead, downed power lines, and snarled traffic on the city’s main arteries.
Dust Storm Impacts Delhi
The storm struck on the evening of May 21, 2025, when temperatures were hovering near 42 °C. Fierce gusts lifted sand and debris up to five metres high, smashing electricity poles, snapping trees, and flooding sections of the Delhi‑Noida, Delhi‑Ghaziabad, and Delhi‑Gurugram corridors. Power outages lingered for up to six hours in parts of South Delhi, while commuters faced grid‑locked roads for the remainder of the peak‑hour rush.
Local authorities, including the Delhi Police, reported that emergency response teams rescued dozens of motorists trapped on collapsed overpasses. Hospitals in the region logged a spike in injuries—mostly minor cuts and bruises—though the three confirmed fatalities were all pedestrians caught in the whirlwind near a busy market in Old Delhi.
IMD Forecasts Through May 25
In bulletins issued at 08:45 IST and 16:30 IST on May 22, the IMD projected a rapid transition from the storm’s aftermath to a series of cooler, unsettled days. The forecast table reads:
- May 22: Partly cloudy with thundery development; high 37.2 °C, low 25.1 °C.
- May 23‑24: Light rain with thunderstorms and lightning; highs near 38 °C.
- May 25: Thunderstorms with dust‑laden winds across Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Himachal Pradesh; maximum temperature about 40 °C.
The department also warned of gusts reaching 40‑50 km/h at isolated spots, especially in the hilly terrains of Himachal Pradesh and the plains of Haryana. Such winds could exacerbate fire hazards and complicate road travel.
Transportation and Power Disruptions
Even though the temperature dipped to a more bearable 37.22 °C on May 22, the combination of downed poles and water‑logged roads kept the city on edge. Delhi’s metro system reported intermittent service on the Red and Yellow lines, citing safety checks after the storm damaged overhead cables.
Truckers heading to the national highways reported “extreme caution” signs posted by the Delhi Police, especially near the Delhi‑Gurugram stretch where a large tree had collapsed onto the eastbound lane. According to a spokesperson from the National Highways Authority of India, traffic flow is expected to normalize by May 24, provided the predicted rain does not cause flooding.
Expert Analysis and Seasonal Context
"May in Delhi is traditionally a pre‑monsoon hotspot, but the intensity of this dust storm was unusual for an urban setting," explained Prof. Rajesh Kumar, a climatology professor at the University of Delhi. He added that the meteorological setup—an upper‑level trough interacting with a lingering heat dome—created the perfect conditions for a sudden downdraft that turned ordinary gusts into a destructive vortex.
Historical data from the IMD shows that Delhi experiences an average of 14 hours of sunshine per day in May, with humidity levels around 58 %—just enough to make the heat feel oppressive. The recent storm briefly cut the sunshine, offering a “psychological respite,” but the underlying high temperatures are expected to linger until the monsoon fully arrives.
Nationally, the IMD indicated that monsoon onset over Kerala could begin within the next 2‑3 days, potentially spanning the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, and the northeastern Bay of Bengal. If the monsoon advances as projected, the rainy season may reach Delhi by early June, finally putting an end to the scorching May heat.
Looking Ahead: Public Safety and Preparedness
Officials urge citizens to stay indoors during thunderstorms, secure loose items, and keep emergency kits handy. The IMD’s warning system will issue real‑time alerts via mobile SMS, especially for regions prone to hail and lightning.
Meanwhile, city planners are reviewing the recent infrastructure failures. A senior official from the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) hinted at a “fast‑track” audit of power line placement and tree pruning schedules to mitigate future storm damage.
For commuters, the practical advice remains simple: check live traffic updates before heading out, avoid travel during peak thunderstorm windows (typically 15:00‑20:00 IST), and carry flashlights in case of sudden power cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the upcoming monsoon affect Delhi’s temperature?
Meteorologists expect the monsoon to lower daytime highs from the mid‑40s to the mid‑30s by early June, thanks to increased cloud cover and rainfall. Humidity will rise, but the cooling effect usually outweighs the discomfort from moisture.
What safety measures should commuters take during the thunderstorm alerts?
Avoid open roads during lightning spikes, keep windows up to prevent hail damage, and carry a basic emergency kit with a flashlight, power bank, and bottled water. If you’re driving, pull over safely away from trees and wait for the storm to pass.
Why did the dust storm cause more damage in Delhi than in surrounding regions?
Delhi’s high‑rise buildings and dense power‑line network create a “wind tunnel” effect, amplifying gust speeds. Combined with the city’s limited green cover, debris had little to snag on, leading to higher impact on infrastructure.
What long‑term steps are being considered to reduce storm damage?
The Delhi Municipal Corporation is planning a systematic audit of overhead lines, stricter tree‑trimming regulations near highways, and the installation of more underground cables where feasible. Funding discussions are already underway with the central government.
Will the rains expected on May 23‑24 cause flooding?
The IMD predicts light rain, not enough to overwhelm Delhi’s drainage system. However, low‑lying neighbourhoods should remain vigilant for localized waterlogging, especially where construction has blocked natural runoff paths.
