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Delhi Rain Today: A massive wall of dust swept across Delhi and the National Capital Region on Saturday evening, reducing visibility across the region.
The strong winds of 50 to 70 kmph were followed by heavy rains, thunderstorms, and lightning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) placed parts of the city and its adjoining areas under a red alert over “severe” thunderstorm as well as dust storm.
The weather phenomenon, locally known as an "Aandhi", is a common pre-monsoon event across northwest India during late May. Triggered by intense summer heat, unstable atmospheric conditions and dry soil from Rajasthan and the Thar Desert, these storms often arrive as towering walls of dust before bringing rain.
Delhi Rain Today: IMD Issues Red Alert for Severe Thunder, Dust Storm
As per the IMD's nowcast issued around 4:30 pm on Saturday, north, northwest, west and southwest Delhi were placed under a red alert as severe weather conditions intensified across the capital. The warning forecast severe thunderstorms accompanied by dust storms, hail and rain, with surface wind speeds likely to range between 62 kmph and 87 kmph.The remaining parts of Delhi were kept under an orange alert for thunderstorm and rain activity. Similar weather warnings were issued for neighbouring regions, with Noida placed under a red alert and Ghaziabad under an orange alert in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, Gurugram in Haryana was under a yellow alert, indicating the possibility of adverse weather conditions.
The incoming spell is expected to provide further relief from the heatwave conditions that gripped the capital earlier this week. Delhi's maximum temperature has already dropped significantly and remains below recent heatwave levels due to ongoing pre-monsoon activity.
Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under trees and exercise caution while travelling amid strong winds and reduced visibility.
