Rain hits Delhi after strongest dust storm in 25 years sweeps city at 120 kmph

A powerful dust storm accompanied by rain and thunderstorm activity lashed Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Tuesday evening, bringing dramatic weather changes, disrupting normal life and recording some of the strongest wind speeds seen in decades.

The severe weather system swept across the capital with dust-laden winds, lightning and scattered rainfall, providing temporary relief from the scorching heat but triggering severe conditions across several parts of the city.

According to weather data, the strongest gust of 128 kmph was recorded at Pusa late in the night, while Palam witnessed winds touching 120 kmph, matching a 25-year-old record.

PALAM MATCHES 2001 WIND RECORD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Palam recorded a peak wind speed of 120 kmph between 6:50 pm and 6:52 pm, equalling the station's previous record set on June 4, 2001.

Historical data, however, shows even stronger gusts were recorded in earlier decades, including 147 kmph in May 1991, 145 kmph in May 1989, 139 kmph in June 1997 and 126 kmph in June 1988.

Apart from Palam, several monitoring stations across Delhi reported strong winds. Safdarjung recorded gusts of 64 kmph, Pusa 80 kmph, Jafarpur 59 kmph, Chhattarpur 56 kmph, Pitampura 35 kmph, Lodi Road 31 kmph and Janakpuri 30 kmph.

RAIN, DUST STORM BRING SUDDEN WEATHER SHIFT

The storm system brought rainfall to many parts of Delhi and NCR, leading to a noticeable drop in temperatures and providing respite from intense daytime heat.

The IMD had earlier forecast thunderstorms, hailstorms, moderate rainfall and strong winds across parts of Delhi-NCR, Haryana and Rajasthan as favourable weather conditions developed over northwestern India.

CYCLONIC CIRCULATION BEHIND TURBULENT WEATHER

Meteorologists attributed the turbulent weather to a cyclonic circulation persisting over central Pakistan and adjoining regions.

Mahesh Palawat, Vice President at Skymet Weather, said the interaction of strong daytime heating and moisture incursion from the Arabian Sea created ideal conditions for severe thunderstorm development across northwestern India.

He noted that isolated rain and gusty winds are likely to continue on Wednesday.

MORE RAIN LIKELY FROM JUNE 11

Weather experts expect pre-monsoon activity to intensify further from June 11, bringing fairly widespread rainfall across Delhi, Haryana and Punjab.

The increased rainfall is expected to push temperatures below the 40-degree Celsius mark in the coming days, offering significant relief from the ongoing heatwave-like conditions.

For Wednesday, the IMD has forecast a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning at isolated locations. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 44 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius, respectively.

RESIDENTS URGED TO STAY ALERT

Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorm activity and avoid taking shelter under isolated trees, near electric poles or other vulnerable structures.

The latest weather event underscores the growing intensity of pre-monsoon systems across northwestern India, with meteorologists warning that strong winds, lightning and sudden downpours could continue over the region in the coming days.

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