Dust storms, rain lash Delhi-NCR for third day; trees uprooted, infrastructure damaged

IANS May 17, 2025 298 views

Severe dust storms and thunderstorms have been battering Delhi-NCR for three consecutive days, causing significant disruption and damage. The India Meteorological Department warned of intense weather conditions with winds up to 60 kmph and potential lightning strikes. Infrastructure in multiple areas has been impacted, with trees uprooted and traffic severely affected across the region. Despite the rainfall, temperatures continue to remain extremely high, adding to the complexity of the weather situation.

"A dust storm followed by a thunderstorm with light to moderate rainfall and lightning is very likely" - India Meteorological Department
Dust storms, rain lash Delhi-NCR for third day; trees uprooted, infrastructure damaged
New Delhi, May 17: Dust storms and strong winds swept across Delhi and adjoining NCR cities such as Noida and Ghaziabad on Saturday, marking the third consecutive day of turbulent weather in the region. The sudden and intense weather activity uprooted trees, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted traffic in several areas.

Key Points

1

Dust storms sweep through Delhi-NCR causing widespread infrastructure damage

2

IMD predicts gusty winds reaching 60 kmph

3

Temperatures remain high despite rainfall and storms

4

Pollution levels spike amid dust-laden winds

In Noida, heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds caused significant damage. Trees were uprooted in multiple sectors, with some falling on parked vehicles.

At Ashok Nagar station, the shed of the Rapid Rail Metro suffered structural damage. A traffic light pole also collapsed near DM Chowk during the storm.

Delhi was not spared either. In Connaught Place, a tree was uprooted near PVR Plaza, falling on several vehicles following a spell of heavy thunderstorms and rain.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier predicted thunderstorms and rain for Delhi on Saturday, with maximum temperatures expected at around 42 degrees Celsius.

Around 3.30 p.m. on Saturday, the IMD issued an alert stating that a dust storm followed by a thunderstorm with light to moderate rainfall and lightning was very likely to occur across Delhi and the NCR within two hours. Gusty winds with speeds of 40 to 60 kmph were forecast.

The national capital has been under the influence of a sustained weather disturbance since Thursday. The IMD attributed the dusty conditions to dust advected from North Pakistan, moving towards Delhi-NCR via Punjab and Haryana under the influence of strong lower-level westerly winds.

Friday also saw similar conditions, with rain and thunderstorms under cloudy skies reported in areas such as Narela, Bawana, Rohini, Burari, Karawal Nagar, Safdarjung, and Lodhi Road.

Gusty winds reached speeds of up to 60 kmph, and rainfall was recorded across the city -- 1.4 mm at Safdarjung, 7.2 mm at Aya Nagar, and 3 mm at Ridge.

Despite the rainfall, temperatures remained high, with Delhi recording a maximum of 42.3 degrees Celsius. Aya Nagar peaked at 44 degrees Celsius, followed by Palam at 43.3 degrees Celsius and Ridge at 43.2 degrees Celsius.

The dust-laden winds also led to a sharp rise in pollution levels. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reimposed Stage-I measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the NCR on Friday, following a spike in the AQI on May 15.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is becoming an annual nightmare for Delhiites! First the heatwave, now dust storms. Our infrastructure clearly can't handle these extreme weather events. Why don't we have better tree management when IMD gives warnings in advance? 😓
P
Priya M.
The pollution spike after these storms is terrifying. My asthma has been acting up terribly since yesterday. GRAP measures are good but we need long-term solutions - more green cover, better urban planning. Stay safe everyone!
A
Amit S.
Saw the Rapid Metro shed damage live near Ashok Nagar - shocking how flimsy our infrastructure is! Meanwhile temperatures still at 42°C despite rain. Climate change is hitting Delhi hard. Authorities need to act fast before monsoon arrives.
N
Neha T.
My car got damaged by a fallen tree in CP yesterday. Insurance says it's "act of God" but why weren't vulnerable trees trimmed after IMD warning? Delhi MCD needs to be more proactive. At least no lives were lost this time 🙏
V
Vikram J.
Interesting that the dust is coming from Pakistan via Punjab. We need regional cooperation on environmental issues too, not just politics. Maybe SAARC countries should have joint climate action plans? Just a thought.
S
Sunita R.
Kudos to the disaster response teams working in these conditions! Saw them clearing fallen trees in Rohini within hours despite the storm. We complain a lot but forget to appreciate these frontline workers. 👏

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Tags:
Delhi Weather Dust Storms IMD Alert NCR Thunderstorms Climate Disruption