Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) witnessed one of the most dramatic weather events of the season on Tuesday evening as a powerful dust storm, accompanied by wind speeds touching 120 kmph, swept across the capital before giving way to intense overnight rainfall. The severe weather disrupted normal life, delayed hundreds of flights and prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue red and orange alerts across several parts of the city.
The IMD has forecast a partly cloudy sky on Wednesday with the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places. It has predicted a maximum temperature of around 43.5 degrees Celsius for the day.
Dust Storm Turns Delhi Skies Brown
The weather changed rapidly on Tuesday evening when strong dusty winds engulfed Delhi-NCR, reducing visibility and turning the sky a murky brown. According to IMD observations, Palam recorded wind speeds of up to 120 kmph, matching levels rarely seen in the city in recent decades. Several other weather stations across Delhi also reported strong gusts ranging between 50 kmph and 80 kmph.
Meteorologists said the storm was triggered by intense atmospheric instability following days of scorching heat and humidity across the region.
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Heavy Rain Follows, Bringing Relief From Heat
After the dust storm, heavy rain lashed several parts of Delhi and neighbouring regions like Noida, Gurgaon, and Ghaziabad late into the night. The showers brought much-needed relief from the oppressive summer heat that had gripped the capital over the past week.
Residents reported strong winds, thunder, lightning and sudden downpours across multiple localities. While temperatures dropped significantly, the weather also caused traffic disruptions and waterlogging in some low-lying areas.
More Than 400 Flights Delayed
The severe weather had a major impact on aviation operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. Flight schedules were thrown off balance as strong winds, poor visibility and heavy rain affected aircraft movement.
Reports indicated that more than 400 flights experienced delays, while some services were diverted due to adverse weather conditions. Airlines advised passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport.
What's next for Delhi after dust storms?
The IMD has warned that Delhi's weather will remain unsettled for the next few days, with thunderstorms, lightning and light rain likely before conditions improve over the weekend.
June 10 (Wednesday)
Maximum temperature: 44°C
Minimum temperature: 30°C
Forecast: Partly cloudy sky
Possibility of thunderstorms and lightning
No weather warning issued
June 11 (Thursday)
Maximum temperature: 42°C
Minimum temperature: 30°C
Forecast: Thunderstorm with rain
Evening and night may see:
Very light to light rainfall
Lightning activity
Gusty winds of 40-50 kmph
IMD warning: Weather activity expected
June 12 (Friday)
Maximum temperature: 35°C
Minimum temperature: 25°C
Forecast: Thunderstorm with rain
Afternoon and evening may witness:
Very light to light rainfall
Thunderstorms and lightning
Gusty winds of 40-50 kmph
Significant drop in temperature expected
June 13 (Saturday)
Maximum temperature: 36°C
Minimum temperature: 25°C
Forecast: Partly cloudy sky
Chance of thunder and lightning
No warning issued
June 14 (Sunday)
Maximum temperature: 38°C
Minimum temperature: 26°C
Forecast: Partly cloudy sky
Weather likely to remain stable
No warning issued
June 15 (Monday)
Maximum temperature: 38°C
Minimum temperature: 26°C
Forecast: Partly cloudy sky
Dry conditions likely to continue
No warning issued
Key Takeaway
Safety Advisory for Residents
The IMD has urged people to:
Avoid sheltering under trees during thunderstorms.
Stay indoors when strong winds and lightning occur.
Secure loose outdoor objects that could become airborne.
Check flight and travel updates before leaving home.
Follow official weather alerts and advisories.
With the monsoon season approaching and atmospheric conditions remaining unstable, meteorologists expect more episodes of thunderstorms and rain across Delhi-NCR in the coming days.
