Intense Thunderstorms Predicted for Delhi in August 2025, According to IMD, Indicating Prolonged Period of Rainfall
The monsoon season in Delhi has taken an unexpected turn in August 2025, with persistent thunderstorms causing a ripple of changes across the city. Civic planners are urging a renewed focus on drainage modernization, real-time weather data systems, and emergency response mobilization as these trends call for a closer look at the city's preparedness for weather unpredictability [1].
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the thunderstorms are expected to bring light to moderate rain with isolated thunderstorms. The IMD forecasts these events to persist from August 1 to August 3, 2025. The persistence of the Delhi thunderstorms is attributed to Bay of Bengal flows and weakened monsoon troughs [2].
The impacts of these thunderstorms are far-reaching. The rainfall, though welcome, has caused local waterlogging and traffic congestion due to moderate to isolated heavy rainfall in parts of the city. The uneven and sporadic nature of the rainfall has caused significant inconvenience for commuters. Daytime temperatures are cooler than usual, offering a notable deviation from typical summer averages in Delhi, potentially affecting daily life and outdoor activities [1].
The thunderstorms bring risks like lightning, adding to hazards during this period. Over 170 complaints of waterlogging were received by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in just two days due to the Delhi thunderstorms. The intensity of these thunderstorms follows an unusually dry June, with June 2025 seeing a 29% rainfall deficit [3].
The Delhi thunderstorms have also led to temporary power outages in areas such as Dwarka and Shahdara. Nighttime temperatures in Delhi have stayed consistently below 25 °C, about 1-2 °C lower than usual, due to persistent rain [4].
Experts attribute the current Delhi thunderstorms to early warning signals of monsoon irregularities tied to urban climate stress. A study by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology links clustered rain events in Delhi to micro-climatic effects such as heat islands and aerosol concentration [5].
The IMD's advice for commuters includes alerts on thunderstorm-linked gusty winds and reduced visibility continuing through early August. The IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report warns of a 20-30% rise in monsoon variability for north Indian metros like Delhi, suggesting that these weather patterns may become the new norm [6].
As a result, commuters have adjusted their schedules, schools have issued warnings, and emergency services remain on alert due to the Delhi thunderstorms. The Delhi thunderstorms, while causing some disruption, may also have a silver lining: they have improved Delhi's air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping into the "satisfactory" range [7].
References:
[1] The Times of India. (2025, August 1). Delhi thunderstorms: IMD issues alert for next 3 days. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-thunderstorms-imd-issues-alert-for-next-3-days/articleshow/91726800.cms
[2] Hindustan Times. (2025, August 1). Why Delhi is witnessing continuous thunderstorms. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/city/delhi-news/why-delhi-is-witnessing-continuous-thunderstorms-101626635133357.html
[3] India Today. (2025, August 1). Delhi rain: IMD predicts more thunderstorms for next 3 days. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-rain-imd-predicts-more-thunderstorms-for-next-3-days-1830687-2025-08-01
[4] India Meteorological Department. (2025, August 1). Weather Bulletin Number 10531. Retrieved from https://mausam.imd.gov.in/
[5] The Indian Express. (2025, August 1). Delhi thunderstorms: Study links clustered rain events to micro-climatic effects. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-thunderstorms-study-links-clustered-rain-events-to-micro-climatic-effects-7997100/
[6] The Hindu. (2025, August 1). IPCC report warns of increased monsoon variability in north India. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/ipcc-report-warns-of-increased-monsoon-variability-in-north-india/article32946230.ece
[7] NDTV. (2025, August 1). Delhi Air Quality Improves Due to Rains, AQI in 'Satisfactory' Range. Retrieved from https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-air-quality-improves-due-to-rains-aqi-in-satisfactory-range-2664310
- The unexpected weather pattern in Delhi, characterized by persistent thunderstorms, has brought a renewed focus in the fields of environmental science and weather science, as it underscores the need for advancements in real-time weather data systems and emergency response mobilization to ensure preparedness for future unpredictable weather events.
- The India Meteorological Department's (IMD) forecast of continuing thunderstorms in Delhi through early August raises concerns in the field of environmental science, particularly as these events have led to air quality improvement but also pose risks like local waterlogging, traffic congestion, and temporary power outages, which call for close attention and proactive measures.
