IMD Issues Red Alert as Storms and Squally Winds Hit Noida and Greater Noida
Thunderstorms accompanied by rain, lightning, and squally winds of up to 100 kmph swept across Noida and Greater Noida on Thursday afternoon, June 4, 2026, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a weather red alert for the National Capital Region (NCR). The sudden severe weather brought immediate relief to residents from the scorching summer heat but prompted warnings of potential damage and flight disruptions.
According to the IMD, the storm activity intensified over the afternoon, leading to successive weather alerts. The weather department forecast hailstorms, thunderstorms, moderate to heavy rainfall, and lightning accompanied by strong squally winds of speeds ranging between 80 to 100 kmph over large parts of the region.
The severe weather warnings specifically extended to Noida, Greater Noida, Chhapraula, Loni Dehat, Hindon Air Force Station, Ghaziabad, and Indirapuram, alongside several areas in Delhi such as Burari, Model Town, Karawal Nagar, Delhi University, Hauz Khas, and ITO.
Met officials attributed the sudden severe weather to multiple active weather systems affecting northwest India. These include a Western Disturbance over north Pakistan, an induced cyclonic circulation over central Pakistan, and upper-air cyclonic circulations over north Haryana and central Uttar Pradesh. Officials stated that these systems combined to create highly favourable conditions for intense thunderstorms.
Rainfall measurements recorded by the IMD until 2:30 p.m. showed varying intensity across the capital region. Ayanagar recorded the highest rainfall at 14.2 mm, followed by Palam with 5.8 mm, Mayur Vihar with 2.5 mm, and Najafgarh with 1.5 mm.
Prior to the escalation, the IMD had issued district-level alerts at 2:45 p.m., placing all districts under a red category warning with forecasts of light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds of 50 to 60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph, alongside isolated hailstorms.
The turbulent weather also impacted regional transport. Airlines including SpiceJet warned passengers of potential disruptions, stating that departures, arrivals, and consequential flights at the Delhi airport could be affected due to the bad weather conditions.
