Delhi witnessed a powerful weather event on Sunday, as wind speeds hit 96 km/hr at Palam between 4:28 pm and 4:30 pm, making it the most intense squall recorded in the capital this year, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This fierce gust surpassed the previous high of 82 km/hr recorded during a thunderstorm on May 25, highlighting the unpredictability and intensity of Delhi's pre-monsoon season.
A Sudden Burst of Nature’s Fury
Speaking to media, IMD scientist Krishna Mishra confirmed the nature of the event:
“A thundersquall was recorded at Palam, with the wind speed touching 96 km/hr. This is the strongest spell so far this season in Delhi.”
These brief yet violent gusts of wind are often precursors to thunderstorms and hailstorms, especially during the summer months when high surface temperatures and atmospheric instability combine to fuel volatile weather systems.
What Exactly is a Squall?
In meteorological terms, a squall is defined as a sudden increase in wind speed by at least 29 km/hr (or 16 knots), with speeds reaching 40 km/hr (22 knots) or more, and sustained for at least one minute. Squalls often bring abrupt changes in weather — from calm to chaos — in moments.
The IMD categorizes squalls based on their intensity:
Moderate squall: Wind speeds up to 74 km/hr
Severe squall: Wind speeds above 100 km/hr
Sunday’s storm didn’t breach the 100 km/hr threshold to qualify as “severe,” but it came dangerously close and was still the strongest this year.
To give some perspective, wind speeds between 89–117 km/hr fall within the range of cyclonic storms, and 118–165 km/hr classify as severe cyclones under IMD's classification system.
A Look Back: How Does This Compare?
While Sunday’s squall was the fiercest of 2025 so far, Delhi has experienced stronger winds in the past. The most notable recent event occurred on May 31, 2022, when winds hit 100 km/hr at the Safdarjung weather station, briefly transforming the capital’s skyline into a scene from a disaster movie.
That said, the recent event should not be dismissed. In an urban setting like Delhi, even winds at 96 km/hr can cause substantial disruption — uprooting trees, damaging hoardings, delaying flights, and even leading to accidents.
What’s Causing These Intense Winds?
Squalls like these are common during the pre-monsoon months of April to June in northern India. The combination of rising daytime temperatures, unstable air masses, and humidity from western disturbances or easterly winds can create the perfect environment for thunderstorms and associated squalls.
Such phenomena are also indicators of shifting weather patterns due to climate variability, where extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more intense.
Safety First: How to Prepare for Sudden Squalls
As these high-intensity winds become more regular in the region, it’s essential for residents to be prepared. Here are some quick safety tips:
Avoid open areas or driving during storms — visibility can drop, and flying debris can be dangerous.
Secure loose outdoor items — garden furniture, signboards, or construction materials can become projectiles.
Stay away from trees and electric poles — these are often the first to collapse during strong squalls.
Follow local weather alerts — IMD regularly issues squall and thunderstorm warnings that can help you plan your day better.
What to Expect Going Forward
With the monsoon still weeks away, more such events can be expected as temperatures continue to soar and weather systems remain unstable. IMD will be closely monitoring upcoming conditions, especially as Delhi braces for its hottest and stormiest season.
For now, Sunday’s event is a stark reminder of how rapidly weather can turn in the Capital — and how crucial it is for individuals, municipalities, and emergency services to stay alert.
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