New Delhi: A powerful dust storm swept across Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR), disrupting flight operations, reducing visibility, and causing widespread inconvenience to commuters. The sudden change in weather prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an Orange Alert, warning residents of thunderstorms, gusty winds, lightning, and moderate rainfall in the coming hours.
Several flights were delayed or diverted due to poor visibility and challenging operating conditions at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, while traffic movement slowed across multiple parts of the city.
Dust Storm Sweeps Across Delhi-NCR
The dust storm struck the capital region during the evening hours, with strong winds carrying large amounts of dust into the atmosphere. Residents reported a sudden drop in visibility as skies turned hazy and strong gusts swept through residential and commercial areas.
Videos and images shared on social media showed trees swaying violently, dust clouds engulfing roads, and motorists struggling to navigate through low-visibility conditions. In some localities, temporary power disruptions and fallen tree branches were also reported as strong winds moved through the region.
Flight Operations Affected
One of the most significant impacts of the storm was felt at Delhi’s airport, one of the busiest aviation hubs in the country. Airlines issued advisories to passengers after several incoming and outgoing flights experienced delays due to adverse weather conditions.
Low visibility, strong crosswinds, and rapidly changing weather patterns complicated aircraft operations, forcing airlines and airport authorities to closely monitor conditions before resuming normal schedules.
Travelers were advised to check flight statuses before heading to the airport, as weather-related disruptions continued to affect operations during the storm period.
IMD Issues Orange Alert
The India Meteorological Department responded by issuing an Orange Alert for Delhi and adjoining regions, indicating the likelihood of severe weather conditions that require residents to remain cautious.
According to meteorologists, the region could experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, moderate rainfall, and wind speeds ranging between 40 and 70 kilometers per hour in isolated locations. The weather system is expected to influence large parts of Delhi-NCR and neighboring states over the next several hours.
An Orange Alert is typically issued when potentially hazardous weather conditions are expected and authorities advise the public to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Relief From Heat, But New Challenges Emerge
The dust storm and expected rainfall have provided temporary respite from the intense heatwave conditions that have affected northern India in recent weeks. Temperatures in Delhi had remained significantly above seasonal averages, leading to discomfort and increased demand for electricity and water.
However, while rainfall can help lower temperatures and improve air quality, sudden storms also pose risks such as traffic congestion, waterlogging, falling trees, and infrastructure damage.
What Residents Should Do
Authorities have issued several safety recommendations for residents:
- Stay updated with official weather advisories.
- Avoid sheltering under trees during thunderstorms.
- Secure loose outdoor objects that may be affected by strong winds.
- Plan travel carefully and check flight or train schedules before departure.
- Keep emergency supplies and mobile devices charged in case of power interruptions.
Outlook for Delhi Weather
Weather officials expect intermittent rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds to continue influencing Delhi-NCR in the short term. While the conditions may bring relief from extreme heat, residents are advised to remain alert to rapidly changing weather patterns.
The combination of dust storms, rainfall, and thunderstorms highlights the volatile nature of the pre-monsoon season in northern India.
Image source: Pexels
Add News Vent as a preferred source on Google – Click Here
Last Updated on: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 11:08 am by Koushik Velpuri | Published by: Koushik Velpuri on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 11:08 am | News Categories: News
About The Author
