Over A Dozen Flights Diverted As Dust Storm Hits Delhi-NCR; IMD Sounds Orange Alert
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The national capital and its adjoining areas witnessed a drop in the temperature following strong dust storms and moderate rain for two consecutive days.
The Delhi-NCR region was hit by a dust storm for the second consecutive day. (PTI)
The Delhi-NCR region was hit by a massive dust storm and lightning for the second time on Friday, bringing much-needed respite from days of scorching weather. The India Meteorological Department sounded an orange alert, warning of adverse weather conditions till 9 pm.
The national capital and its adjoining areas in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh witnessed a drop in the temperature following strong dust storms in the evening today, with power outages in some areas. The weather department had forecast thunderstorms and light rain during the day.
Tree branches fell in several areas of Delhi, including Mandi House. Several videos uploaded on social media showed the impact of the dust storm, with a tree falling on a motorcycle in the Delhi Gate area. Traffic was disrupted in other areas due to debris.
More than 15 flights were diverted at the Delhi airport on Friday evening due to inclement weather conditions. “Due to inclement weather conditions in Delhi, some of the flights at Delhi Airport are impacted. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight updates,” airport operator DIAL said. Meanwhile, IndiGo said Delhi and Jaipur are experiencing a dust storm, affecting takeoffs and landings and potentially causing air traffic congestion.
The India Meteorological Department sounded an orange alert for the Delhi-NCR region, saying a dust storm followed by a thunderstorm, accompanied by light to moderate rainfall, lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-80 kmph, is expected later in the evening.
The department also outlined possible impacts of the severe weather, cautioning that strong winds and hail may damage plantations, horticulture, and standing crops. The orange alert indicates that residents should “be prepared” and “take action” as per the IMD’s advisory.
According to reports, gusty winds with speeds between 40 to 60 km/h are very likely to affect the entire Delhi and NCR region, with wind speeds possibly reaching up to 80 km/h in some areas.
Delhi’s Air Quality Improves
The IMD had predicted a cloudy sky with very light rain/drizzle on Friday, accompanied by thunderstorms/lightning with strong surface winds of 20-30 kmph. The rains and thunderstorms were expected in the capital for some days due to a western disturbance.
On Thursday evening, the Delhi-NCR region was hit by a massive dust storm and moderate rain, bringing in a drop in temperatures. There was a fall in the minimum temperature by 3 degrees and a fall in the maximum temperature by 1°C over Delhi/NCR during the past 24 hours, according to the IMD.
Delhi’s air quality also showed a slight improvement, shifting from the ‘poor’ to the ‘moderate’ category, with an AQI of 164 at 4 pm, as per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The northern part of the country is sweltering under an unusually fierce April sun, with temperatures surging past 40 degrees Celsius in many regions – weeks ahead of the typical summer peak.
(with agency inputs)