Dust storms hit Delhi-NCR as IMD issues orange alert, warns of 80 kmph winds

The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert warning of rain and squally winds of up to 70-80 kmph in parts of the national capital and NCR.

Strong dust storms and thunderstorms hit Delhi on Saturday morning, bringing temporary respite from the heat as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert warning of rain and squally winds of up to 70-80 kmph in parts of the national capital and NCR.

Strong dust storms and thunderstorms hit Delhi on Saturday morning, bringing temporary respite from the heat (Vipin Kumar/ HT Photo)

According to the IMD’s district-level nowcast issued at 8.25 am, moderate dust storms are “very likely” over parts of southeast Delhi, east Delhi, Shahdara, central Delhi, northeast Delhi, south Delhi, New Delhi, southwest Delhi, west Delhi, northwest Delhi and north Delhi. Light rain accompanied by moderate thunderstorms and lightning is also likely in parts of south Delhi and southwest Delhi.

“Convection is developed after a spell of very high temperatures. As a result, thunderstorms, lightning and squally winds may be intense over Delhi-NCR for a short while till equilibrium is established,” the IMD said in a statement.

The weather office said wind speeds during gusts could touch 70-80 kmph in some areas. Based on observations recorded at 8.30 am, the strongest winds were reported from Pusa at 81 kmph, followed by Palam at 56 kmph and Pragati Maidan at 35 kmph.

The IMD also reported a sharp fall in visibility at Palam airport, where visibility reduced from 3,500 metres to 1,500 metres within an hour due to dust and strong winds.

“Squally winds are prevailing over Delhi and NCR. Residents are advised to remain indoors until the weather conditions improve and the squally winds dissipate,” the IMD said.

Rainfall activity remained limited across the city till 8.30 am, with Pusa recording 2 mm rainfall and Ridge receiving 0.2 mm. Other weather stations, including Safdarjung, Palam, Lodhi Road, Ayanagar, Pitampura, Mayur Vihar, Najafgarh and Janakpuri, reported no rainfall.

The IMD said thunderstorm activity over northwest India, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, is expected to bring temporary relief from heatwave conditions on Saturday, with temperatures likely to rise again from Sunday onward.

The minimum temperature was 28.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday, about 1.7 degrees above normal. Officials said a fall in minimum temperatures by 1-2 degrees Celsius was recorded over Delhi, due to which no warm night conditions prevailed in the city.