A thunderstorm is a short-lived but intense weather disturbance characterised by thunder, lightning, heavy rain and strong winds. These storms usually develop from towering cumulonimbus clouds when warm, moist air rises rapidly into the atmosphere and becomes unstable.
Thunderstorms are common during summer and monsoon months, especially in countries like India. They can occur individually or in clusters and often last between 30 minutes and an hour. In some cases, thunderstorms may also produce hail, squalls, flash floods and tornadoes.
Lightning is one of the most dangerous features of a thunderstorm. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which can strike far away from rainfall areas. Meteorologists warn that lightning can hit the ground even when the storm appears distant. Thunder is caused by the rapid expansion of air heated by lightning.
Thunderstorms form when three conditions are present — moisture in the atmosphere, unstable air and a lifting mechanism such as intense surface heating or colliding winds. Warm and humid weather greatly increases the chances of thunderstorm development.
In India, thunderstorms are especially frequent during pre-monsoon months over eastern and northeastern states, as well as parts of central and northern India. Sudden thunderstorms can damage crops, uproot trees, disrupt transport and trigger power outages.
Weather experts advise people to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid open fields and water bodies, and seek shelter immediately when thunder is heard.
A massive dust storm, known as a “haboob,” swept across Arizona’s Pinal County on Monday, August 25, clogging skies and reducing visibility. The National Weather Service warned drivers to pull over if conditions worsened. Haboobs are common during the Southwest’s summer monsoon season, triggered when thunderstorm downdrafts lift loose desert sand into towering walls of dust that spread far beyond the storm itself.
Northern India is experiencing an intense heat wave, with Punjab placed under red alert. The weather department warns of temperatures reaching 46 to 47 degrees Celsius in southwestern districts of Punjab and Haryana. The director of the meteorological department in Chandigarh states, 'We need to be a bit careful, and we should avoid exposures to such heats, especially in the day times.' Humidity levels have increased by 25% in the last 48 hours, compounding the discomfort. Relief is expected around 14th, 15th, and 16th with anticipated thunderstorm activity.
In a concerning incident early Monday, the newly inaugurated Acharya Atre Chowk underground metro station on Mumbai’s Aqua Line 3 was submerged following heavy overnight rainfall. Operational since May 10, 2025, the station links key business districts Bandra-Kurla Complex and Worli. Authorities are assessing the damage.
Mumbai is experiencing heavy rainfall as the monsoon advances further after making landfall in Kerala. On Monday morning, the India Meteorological Department issued a warning for the city, forecasting thunderstorms with lightning, intense rain spells, and gusty winds reaching 50–60 kmph.
In a shocking incident in Banda, Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh, heavy rainfall caused a roof to be blown away, along with children who were caught in the storm. The intense winds and rain left the local area devastated.
Parts of Delhi-NCR were hit by intense rainfall and thunderstorms, leading to waterlogging, tree falls, and flight delays at IGI Airport. The downpour brought a welcome drop in temperatures after a searing heatwave, though low-lying areas like Minto Bridge remain flooded despite precautionary efforts.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited several rain-affected areas including Majnu Ka Tilla and ITO, taking stock of the situation and coordinating relief efforts with the authorities. The weather caused disruption across the national capital leading to the delay of nearly 100 flights.
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms have lashed parts of Delhi NCR, causing waterlogging and uprooting trees. Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport have been affected due to inclement weather conditions. The thunderstorm has brought a dip in temperature, providing relief from the recent heatwave where temperatures had crossed 40 degrees Celsius. Areas like Minto Bridge are experiencing water logging despite preventive measures.
Himachal Pradesh Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Wednesday stirred a row following her comment on BJP MP Kangana Ranaut. While speaking on the floor of the state Assembly, Negi said, "Kangana Ranaut did not visit rain-hit Mandi because her makeup will wash away... She visited the place after the conditions improved in the area and shed crocodile tears." The BJP criticised the "sexist" comments by the Himachal minister. Himachal Pradesh is severely affected by rain fury. As many as 109 roads including National Highway 707, were closed in the state following rains, the state emergency operation centre said. The local meteorological office warned of low to moderate flash flood risk in parts of Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Kullu and Kinnaur till Tuesday. It also issued a 'yellow' alert of heavy rain, thunderstorm and lightning at isolated places in the state till Tuesday.
The incident occurred during a sudden thunderstorm.
The weather department has issued a yellow alert.
Dubai residents were awakened by strong winds.
Residents of Delhi-NCR woke up to heavy rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms on Saturday morning and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted pleasant weather to continue for the next three to four days. There will be no heatwave conditions till May 30, the IMD said. Waterlogging was witnessed in several parts of Delhi after the rainfall. The sudden change in weather is expected to bring respite from the hot weather conditions prevailing over North India.
Locals have been displaced and large parts of Bihar have been inundated by flood water in Bihar. Floods have hit over 27 lakh people in 26 of the 33 districts of Assam and destroyed houses, crops, roads and bridges at several places. In Bihar, 10 people were killed in lightning strikes during a thunderstorm in seven districts of the state, officials said.
Heavy rain, accompanied by lightning and thunderstorm, lashed several parts of Delhi-NCR early Sunday.
