Thunderstorm in Delhi — 29°C, wind 1 km/h

A thunderstorm rolled through Delhi this afternoon, bringing the sort of dramatic weather that India's capital knows well during the monsoon months.

The storm arrived around half past seven in the evening local time, with thunder rumbling across the city while temperatures sat at a warm 29°C — that's about 84°F for those of us still thinking in old money. Despite the electrical activity overhead, winds remained remarkably calm at just 1 kilometre per hour, barely enough to flutter a flag.

Minimal rainfall so far

The storm has produced only a tenth of a millimetre of precipitation so far, which is scarcely enough to dampen the pavement. That's the sort of rain that might spot your glasses but won't trouble your umbrella much. Whether heavier downpours follow remains to be seen, as the system is still active over the city.

Delhi's monsoon season typically runs from late June through September, and thunderstorms are a regular feature of life in the capital during these months. The combination of heat, humidity, and atmospheric instability creates the perfect conditions for these electrical displays, though they can range from brief rumbles to rather more dramatic affairs.

Life goes on

For Delhi's residents — all twenty-odd million of them — an August thunderstorm is hardly unusual. The city has seen it all before, from gentle evening showers to storms that bring the traffic to a standstill and send everyone scurrying for cover.

The current conditions suggest this is shaping up to be one of the milder examples, though anyone caught out without a brolly might disagree. The near-absence of wind is actually rather pleasant, as it means the rain falls straight down rather than blowing sideways into every available gap in your rain gear.

Thunderstorms in this part of the world can be spectacular to watch from a safe, dry vantage point — all that fork lightning against the urban skyline — though rather less enjoyable if you're trying to navigate flooded streets or keep your shopping dry.

Have any of you been caught in a Delhi monsoon storm? Or perhaps you've got family or friends out there who've sent you photos of the dramatic skies? Do share your experiences in the comments below.