A ferocious overnight thunderstorm wreaked havoc across Delhi and surrounding regions late last week, dumping record-setting rainfall, scattering hailstones, and unleashing destructive winds that caused flash floods, uprooted trees, and tragically claimed seven lives.
The tempest struck in the early hours of Friday morning and persisted for nearly six hours, tapering off around 8:30 a.m. At Delhi’s primary weather station in Safdarjung, a staggering 77mm of rain was recorded, 60mm of it within just three hours. This marked the second-highest 24-hour rainfall total in May for the capital since recordkeeping began in 1901.
The early-morning deluge turned roads into rivers and left residents scrambling. Public transportation was crippled, low-lying areas submerged, and emergency services stretched thin. The full impact of the storm is still being assessed, but officials warn that similar events could recur, with more thunderstorms in the forecast.
More Storms on the Horizon
Forecasters predict further heavy showers and thunderstorm activity across India in the coming week. The western and central regions, including Gujarat and southwest Rajasthan, are expected to see intense convective storms through Thursday, driven by cooler upper-level air mixing with ground-level heat.
Meteorologists caution that thunderstorms remain notoriously difficult to forecast with precision. While satellite models suggest the potential for heavy downpours, the exact timing and severity often evade even the most advanced systems, underscoring the unpredictability of such extreme weather events.
However, one silver lining for regions like Surat in southern Gujarat is the drop in temperature. With the storm system pulling cooler air into the region, daytime highs are expected to dip by as much as 7–8°C midweek, offering much-needed relief after April’s searing heatwave. Temperatures in Surat could settle around a more tolerable 30°C, down from the oppressive high-30s typical for this time of year.
Western Europe Feels the Wrath of Spring Storms
While South Asia grapples with its share of violent weather, Western Europe has also been pounded by spring storms. Over the weekend, a low-pressure system swept across the Iberian Peninsula and into France, delivering fierce thunderstorms to parts of northern France on Saturday.
Paris experienced a dramatic hailstorm, with marble-sized hailstones pelting the city and turning roads into ice-slicked hazards. Flash flooding forced the closure of four metro stations, leaving commuters stranded and city officials scrambling.
The storm system is now shifting eastward and is forecast to hit Italy early this week. The Italian Meteorological Service has issued amber weather alerts for the country’s northern and western regions, where intense storms are expected Monday and Tuesday.
Climate Patterns Becoming More Extreme
These events are the latest in a growing trend of increasingly erratic weather patterns affecting large swathes of the globe. Experts point to climate change as a major driver, intensifying rainfall, disrupting seasonal norms, and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events.
While the immediate concern remains recovery and safety, the broader conversation is shifting toward adaptation and preparedness. As storms grow stronger and less predictable, cities around the world may need to rethink infrastructure, emergency planning, and climate resilience.
