Thunderstorms in India – What’s Happening and How to Stay Safe

India’s monsoon season brings more than just steady rain. In the last few weeks, several cities have faced heavy downpours, strong winds, and sudden lightning bursts that disrupted travel, flooded streets, and even halted cricket matches. If you live in or plan to visit the affected regions, you’ll want to know what’s going on and what you can do to stay safe.

Recent Thunderstorm Events

Delhi and the surrounding NCR belt have been under a series of IMD alerts. On August 23, the capital saw a fresh yellow alert after three weather systems converged, bringing continuous showers and thunderstorms. The Yamuna River stayed above the 207‑meter evacuation mark, forcing cremations at Nigambodh Ghat to pause and prompting traffic snarls on major arteries.

Just a day later, the IMD downgraded the alert to yellow, but light rain and occasional thunderstorms persisted into the weekend. Gurugram remained on orange alert, while Noida and Ghaziabad stayed at yellow. The pattern repeated in Uttar Pradesh, where heat peaks around 33 °C before heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected from Sunday onward, promising relief but also the risk of waterlogging.

Air travel felt the squeeze too. Delhi’s IGI Airport suffered storm‑related chaos with 14 flight diversions and hundreds of delays. Low visibility and heavy rain forced crews to reroute planes to Lucknow, Bhopal, Chandigarh and other hubs. Even the IPL schedule wasn’t immune – a match between KKR and RCB at Eden Gardens faced a rain threat, with wind speeds forecasted at 40‑60 km/h and lightning chances high in the morning.

These incidents underline how thunderstorms can quickly shift from inconvenience to emergency. The combination of high humidity, strong winds, and sudden temperature drops often catches commuters off guard, especially when alerts change rapidly.

Practical Safety Tips During Storms

First, keep an eye on IMD notifications. A yellow alert means rain is likely, but a sudden shift to orange or red signals stronger winds and higher flood risk. Sign up for mobile alerts or follow local news channels for real‑time updates.

If you’re driving, reduce speed and avoid flooded roads. Water can be deeper than it looks, and standing in a shallow pool can cause your car to stall. Turn on headlights, but don’t use high beams in heavy rain as they reflect off the water and reduce visibility.

For pedestrians, stay clear of tall trees, power lines, and metal structures during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through conductive paths, and a struck tree can fall without warning. If you’re caught outside, crouch low with feet together and avoid shelter under isolated trees.

At home, unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from power surges. If a storm brings a wind gust over 50 km/h, close windows and secure loose outdoor items – garden furniture, grills, and satellite dishes can become dangerous projectiles.

Travelers should also check airline and train status before heading to the station or airport. Many airlines, like Air India, issue specific diversion notices when visibility drops below safe limits. Booking flexible tickets can save you from unexpected fees.

Finally, stay prepared with an emergency kit: bottled water, basic medicines, a flashlight, and some non‑perishable food. While most thunderstorms last a few hours, heavy rain can cause localized flooding that traps people for longer periods.

Thunderstorms are a normal part of India’s climate, but they don’t have to derail your day. By staying informed, adjusting travel plans, and taking simple safety steps, you can weather the storm with confidence.