Weather Alert: Massive dust storms hit Delhi as IMD issues red, orange alerts across NCR

New Delhi: Strong dust storms swept across Delhi and the National Capital Region on Tuesday evening, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue red and orange weather alerts across several parts of the NCR.

The sudden change in weather brought strong winds, reduced visibility and cooler temperatures in many areas of the capital.

IMD Warns of Thunderstorms and Rain

According to the IMD’s nowcast warning, moderate rain accompanied by severe thunderstorms is expected in several parts of Delhi, including South Delhi, South East Delhi, South West Delhi, New Delhi and North West Delhi.

Delhi gets rain relief after scorching heat; IMD predicts thunderstorms and gusty winds

Other regions such as Central Delhi, East Delhi, North East Delhi and Shahdara are also likely to witness moderate rainfall and thunderstorms.

The weather department has advised residents to remain cautious due to gusty winds, lightning and rapidly changing weather conditions.

Western Disturbance to Change North India Weather

The IMD said a fresh Western Disturbance is expected to impact the Western Himalayan region from June 11 onward, leading to widespread weather changes across north India.

Rainfall activity is likely across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan between June 10 and June 14.

Thunder squalls with wind speeds reaching 50-60 kmph are also expected in several northern states during this period.

Hailstorm Warning Issued

The weather office has additionally warned of possible hailstorm activity in Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh on June 12.

While isolated pockets continue to remain under heatwave conditions, the approaching weather system is expected to bring temporary relief from the intense summer heat affecting large parts of north India.

When will the monsoon reach Delhi? IMD makes a prediction; see weather outlook for the next 5 days

Monsoon Advances Further Across India

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon has advanced into North Bengal and covered the northeastern states.

The IMD said weather conditions remain favourable for the further advance of the monsoon into eastern, central and western India over the next few days.

Heavy rainfall is expected in districts including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar till June 13. Despite the monsoon’s progress, the IMD has forecast below-normal rainfall for India this year due to the possible emergence of El Nino conditions.