Dust storm, rain sweep Delhi-NCR; IMD issues ‘yellow alert’
A sudden dust storm followed by rain hit Delhi-NCR on Friday evening, covering the region in dust and disrupting normal life.
A sudden dust storm followed by rain swept through Delhi-NCR on Friday evening, enveloping the region in dust and affecting normal life.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning forecasting light to moderate rain and thunderstorms accompanied by gusty, dust-laden winds.
Visuals shared by users on social media show rain pouring over busy roads in the city, bringing welcome relief from the scorching heat. Similar scenes were seen across other parts of the NCR.
“Light to moderate rainfall accompanied with light thunderstorm and lightning (30-40 Km/h gusty winds) is very likely to occur at isolated places of Delhi-NCR during next 2 hours," IMD said on X (formerly Twitter).
The weather, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), is expected to see maximum temperatures in Delhi between 40 degrees Celsius and 41 degrees Celsius, with minimum temperatures around 26 degrees Celsius over the weekend.
On Friday, Delhi woke up to poor air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 300 in several areas, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
{{/usCountry}}On Friday, Delhi woke up to poor air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 300 in several areas, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
{{/usCountry}}This followed a rise in pollution on Thursday, when the AQI also surpassed 300 after a severe dust storm that lowered visibility.
{{/usCountry}}This followed a rise in pollution on Thursday, when the AQI also surpassed 300 after a severe dust storm that lowered visibility.
{{/usCountry}}The IMD said that a strong north-south pressure gradient over northwest India triggered dust-raising surface winds gusting between 30 and 40 kmph, affecting Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and north Rajasthan from the night of May 14 into the following morning.
Meanwhile, heavy rain continues to lash parts of the city and surrounding areas, causing severe waterlogging and disrupting normal life.
On Tuesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced that the southwest monsoon has advanced into parts of the south Bay of Bengal, south Andaman Sea, Nicobar Islands, and some areas of the north Andaman Sea.
On Monday, May 12, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a press release that an upper air cyclonic circulation is present over northwest Uttar Pradesh, while another cyclonic circulation lies over West Rajasthan and its neighbouring areas in the lower tropospheric levels.With agencies inputs