A powerful dust storm swept across Delhi on Tuesday evening, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting wind speeds of up to 120 kmph at the Palam weather station — matching a record last seen in 2001.
According to IMD data, Palam recorded gusty winds of 120 kmph between 6:50 pm and 6:52 pm as dust-laden winds battered the national capital. The last time the station witnessed winds of similar intensity was on June 4, 2001.
Historical records show even stronger gusts in the past, including 147 kmph on May 25, 1991, 145 kmph on May 2, 1989, 139 kmph on June 6, 1997, and 126 kmph on June 16, 1988.
Several other weather stations across Delhi also recorded strong winds during the storm. Pusa reported the highest gust outside Palam at 80 kmph around 7:30 pm, while Safdarjung registered 64 kmph between 7:07 pm and 7:09 pm. Jafarpur recorded 59 kmph at 7 pm, Chhattarpur 56 kmph at 7:15 pm, Pitampura 35 kmph at 6:30 pm, Lodi Road 31 kmph at 7:45 pm, Janakpuri 30 kmph at 7:30 pm, and Mayur Vihar 13 kmph at 7:30 pm.
The storm struck amid intense heat conditions in the city. The Ridge station recorded the highest maximum temperature at 44.7 degrees Celsius, 3.6 degrees above normal. Lodi Road followed at 44 degrees Celsius, nearly 4 degrees above normal.
Palam recorded a maximum temperature of 43.8 degrees Celsius, while Ayanagar and Safdarjung logged 43.6 degrees Celsius and 43.5 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Mahesh Palawat, Vice President (Meteorology and Climate Change) at Skymet Weather, said the dust storm and isolated rain activity were triggered by a cyclonic circulation over central Pakistan and adjoining regions.
He said similar weather conditions, including gusty winds and scattered rainfall, are likely to continue on Wednesday. Palawat added that pre-monsoon activity is expected to intensify from June 11, bringing fairly widespread rainfall across Delhi, Haryana and Punjab.
Flight operations affected
Meanwhile, the storm affected the flight operations in the national capital. IndiGo in an advisory stated, "Bad weather over #Delhi has impacted flight schedules. We are closely monitoring the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly. We request that you stay updated on your flight status via http://t.co/nTbt4mrMOX or app. Please be assured that our teams are here to assist you at every step and provide full support. We look forward to clearer skies and a swift return to our regular schedule. Thank you for your patience and understanding."
Air India also admitted that the flight operations to and from Delhi are getting impacted due to the adverse weather conditions and urged passengers to check the latest flight status at the following link before heading to the airport.
