A hailstorm accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds struck parts of Delhi-NCR on Wednesday evening, May 13, 2026.
The sudden weather shift disrupted flight operations and provided a brief reprieve from intense heatwave conditions that have gripped northern India.
The storm affected several areas, including Uttam Nagar, Okhla, and various northern suburbs. Wind gusts reached a maximum of 98 km/h [4], contributing to the severity of the weather event. The sudden downpour and hail caused a temperature drop of 10 °C [3], following a day where temperatures were expected to range between 37 °C and 39 °C [1].
According to the India Meteorological Department, the conditions were prompted by the monsoon advancing over the Bay of Bengal. The agency said it had previously issued an orange alert for hailstorms in the region. While the storm brought immediate cooling, forecasts indicate temperatures could peak at 42 °C [2] later this week.
Flight operations were impacted as the gusty winds and poor visibility complicated arrivals and departures. In some instances, passengers were forced to seek alternative transport, such as the metro, due to flight delays. The storm follows a period of extreme heat, marking a volatile transition in the region's seasonal weather patterns.
“Wind gusts reached a maximum of 98 km/h”
The intersection of an advancing monsoon and a persistent heatwave creates atmospheric instability, leading to the severe thunderstorms and hailstorms seen in Delhi. This volatility suggests that while the monsoon may eventually bring relief, the transition period is likely to be marked by extreme, short-term weather events that pose risks to urban infrastructure and transportation networks.
