Delhi NCR: A sudden and intense dust storm followed by heavy rains swept across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) early Friday morning, severely affecting daily life. The severe weather, which included gusty winds, lightning, and thunderstorms, caused massive disruption to flight and railway operations, waterlogging across multiple localities, and even led to a tragic loss of life.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), winds reached speeds of 70–80 km/h, accompanied by intense rainfall. The IMD issued a yellow alert for Delhi NCR and nearby regions, warning of more rain and thunderstorms over the weekend.
Delhi NCR Dust Storm Disrupts Flights and Commute
The sudden dust storm that swept across Delhi NCR early Friday morning significantly disrupted flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). Over 120 flights were delayed, and several were diverted due to low visibility and wind hazards. Airlines, including Air India, reported delays averaging 61 minutes for departures and 21–46 minutes for arrivals. Flights from Bangalore and Pune to Delhi were redirected to Jaipur, while others were sent to Ahmedabad.
In a statement on social media, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) confirmed the disruptions: “Our ground teams are coordinating with stakeholders to ensure minimal inconvenience to passengers.” Passengers were advised to check their flight status before traveling to the airport.
A metal structure at Terminal 3 also collapsed due to high winds, though no injuries were reported. The overall flight schedule remained unstable throughout the day.
Train Services Also Affected
Railways in the Delhi NCR Division were not spared. 15 to 20 trains faced delays due to fallen trees on railway lines, causing signal failures and extended stoppages. Restoration work was underway, with railway authorities clearing tracks and ensuring operational safety.
Widespread Waterlogging and Traffic Chaos
The sudden downpour led to severe waterlogging in parts of Dwarka, Kanpur, Minto Road, South Extension, Lajpat Nagar, Moti Bagh, and RK Puram. Commuters experienced gridlocked traffic, while public buses and private vehicles stalled in submerged roads.
Videos and images on social media showed roads turning into temporary rivers. Residents described the storm as “loud and terrifying,” with one post stating: “The wind woke me up — it was like nature unleashed its fury.”
Tragic Incident in Dwarka
A heartbreaking incident occurred in Dwarka, where a woman and her three children lost their lives after a tree fell on their room due to the storm’s impact. Emergency services were rushed to the scene, and authorities have promised compensation and relief to the family.
Temperature Drop Brings Temporary Relief
While the storm caused chaos, it also brought a dip in temperatures. Delhi recorded 19.8°C, a sharp fall from the 38.1°C reported a day earlier. According to IMD, Safdarjung recorded 77mm of rainfall, Lodhi Road 78mm, Palam 30mm, and Pitampura 32mm.
However, minimum temperature on Friday stood at 26.8°C, which was still 2.1°C higher than the seasonal average.
Weather Forecast and Advisory
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an urgent Nowcast warning indicating the possibility of continued unstable weather conditions over the next 48 hours across Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Rajasthan. The advisory highlights the likelihood of moderate to severe thunderstorms, intermittent heavy rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds ranging from 40 to 90 kilometers per hour.
These weather phenomena are expected to be localized but intense, meaning while some areas may experience mild rain, others could face sudden, severe storms that can damage property, disrupt travel, and cause hazards like tree falls and flooding.
Public Advisory: Safety First During Delhi NCR Dust Storm
The IMD and civic authorities have issued the following precautionary measures to ensure public safety:
Stay Indoors
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Residents are strongly advised to remain inside during periods of thunderstorms or gusty winds.
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Avoid standing near windows, balconies, or under trees, as falling branches or debris can be life-threatening.
Avoid Unnecessary Travel
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Travel should be postponed or limited, especially on waterlogged roads or during active storm periods.
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If essential travel is unavoidable, people should use GPS navigation to avoid blocked roads and traffic jams caused by tree falls or flooded intersections.
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Monitor Weather Updates
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Regularly check official IMD updates through their website, mobile apps, and social media channels.
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Use weather alert apps and enable location-based notifications for real-time information.
Government & Civic Response
In anticipation of more severe weather, local authorities and disaster response teams are on high alert:
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Tree clearance operations are actively underway in several parts of Delhi NCR to remove uprooted trees and clear blocked roads.
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Electricity departments are working to restore disrupted power lines, especially in storm-hit residential zones.
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Waterlogging management teams are pumping out excess water from flooded roads and underpasses to restore traffic flow and prevent accidents.
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Emergency services have been mobilized to handle distress calls, provide aid in case of accidents, and ensure rapid response in affected zones.
Outlook for the Weekend
According to IMD’s forecast, the stormy conditions are expected to persist through Saturday and Sunday, with varying intensity. There may be occasional breaks in rainfall, but thundercloud formation and moisture-rich air from the northwest will continue to support storm development.
Key Takeaway: Safety Measures Amid Delhi NCR Dust Storm
The weather pattern is dynamic and potentially hazardous. The Delhi NCR Dust Storm has already caused significant disruptions, and further storms may follow. All citizens are encouraged to prioritize personal safety, stay informed, and avoid risky behavior such as riding two-wheelers during storms, parking under trees, or venturing into flooded streets.
