In early May 2025, extreme weather events wreaked havoc across continents, with deadly thunderstorms battering northern India and an intense hailstorm paralyzing Paris.
Torrential Rains and Fatalities in Delhi
On May 2, Delhi experienced one of its most severe May storms in over a century. The city recorded 77mm of rain, with 60mm falling within just three hours, marking the second-highest 24-hour rainfall total for May since 1901. The deluge led to flash floods, uprooted trees, widespread disruption, and claimed seven lives.
Meteorologists attribute the storm to cooler air aloft inducing convection, a condition expected to persist, bringing further thunderstorms and heavy rainfall to regions like Gujarat and southwest Rajasthan. Daytime temperatures in these areas are anticipated to be 3-8°C lower than normal, offering respite from prior heatwave conditions.
Paris Pummeled by Golf Ball-Sized Hail
On May 3, Paris was struck by a sudden and severe hailstorm, with hailstones reportedly the size of golf balls. The storm caused flash flooding, leading to the closure of several metro stations, including Alma-Marceau, Voltaire, and Porte de Champerret. Operations at Charles de Gaulle Airport were temporarily suspended, affecting multiple flights.
The storm also disrupted a horse race at Auteuil, where jockeys and horses were pelted by the large hailstones, prompting an immediate halt to the event.
The hailstorm followed several days of unusually warm spring temperatures, ranging from the 70s to 80s Fahrenheit. Authorities had issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms earlier that day, warning residents to be cautious.
Climate Patterns and Global Implications
These extreme weather events underscore the increasing volatility of global climate patterns. The juxtaposition of deadly storms in India and unprecedented hail in Paris within the same week highlights the urgent need for adaptive infrastructure and proactive disaster preparedness worldwide.
