Delhi experienced a dramatic shift in weather on Tuesday afternoon as severe dust storms and strong winds swept across the capital, drastically reducing visibility. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) promptly issued a red alert for the city, warning of potential thunderstorms, lightning, and squally winds reaching speeds of 80-100 kmph over the coming hours.
Pre-Monsoon Conditions Trigger Dust Storm
The sudden weather change, which began around 2:30 PM IST, saw dark dust clouds engulfing roads and residential areas. The IMD's nowcast warning, a localised short-term alert, indicated severe weather conditions were highly probable across most parts of Delhi and neighbouring regions.
Meteorologists attributed the phenomenon to a typical pre-monsoon weather pattern. Extremely hot surface temperatures over north-west India created unstable atmospheric conditions. Cooler air from an approaching weather disturbance forced warm air near the surface to rise rapidly, contributing to the formation of thunderstorm clouds. Downdrafts from these developing storms then pushed large quantities of dust from dry surfaces into the air, creating the widespread dust storm.
Widespread Alerts and Safety Precautions
Beyond Delhi, the IMD also extended its alerts to parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Specifically, warnings were issued for areas including Sonipat, Rohtak, Kharkhoda, Bhiwani, and Charkhi Dadri in Haryana; Bagpat, Khekra, Pilakhua, and Sikandrabad in Uttar Pradesh; and Alwar, Bhiwadi, Tijara, and Deeg in Rajasthan.
Authorities have advised residents to take necessary precautions. This includes remaining indoors during the peak of the storm, avoiding non-essential travel, and securing any loose objects that could become airborne due to the strong winds.
Outlook for North-Western India
On Tuesday, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 26.8 degrees Celsius, with the maximum expected to reach around 40 degrees Celsius. As the monsoon gradually advances northwards, forecasters anticipate that similar dust storms and thunderstorms may continue to affect north-western India in the days ahead, prior to the onset of more widespread monsoon rainfall.