NEW DELHI: Strong dust-laden winds and light rain swept across Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) on Friday evening, bringing a sharp dip in temperature, uprooting trees, and disrupting power and air traffic.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert, warning of moderate to severe thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching up to 80 kmph in isolated areas. The alert remained in effect till 9 pm, with officials urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
The sudden shift in weather, driven by an active western disturbance came after a day of warm sunshine. By evening, the skies turned dark, and gusty winds led to temperature drops of 10 degrees Celsius at Palam and 7 degrees at Safdarjung, according to the weather office. Wind speeds peaked at 74 kmph at IGI Airport, 70 kmph at Pragati Maidan, and 69 kmph at Lodhi Road.
Light rain was recorded in some parts, with Mayur Vihar logging 5 mm, while Safdarjung reported only a trace. The maximum temperature stood at 35.8°C, slightly below normal, while the minimum was 22.8°C, 1.8 degrees above average.
The weather also disrupted air travel. As per sources, 15 flights were diverted at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) due to poor visibility and high wind speeds. In a post on X, airport operator DIAL confirmed that flight operations were impacted and advised passengers to contact airlines for updates.
Airlines like IndiGo warned of potential delays and diversions due to dust storms in both Delhi and Jaipur.
In east Delhi’s Chander Vihar, a 67-year-old man died and two others were injured after the wall of a sixth floor under construction collapsed due to the gusty winds. Police said the wall fell onto the street around 6.30 pm. The deceased was identified as Chander Pal, a local resident. Two others—Rajbir Meerna (38), a nursing officer at GTB Hospital, and Aashu Malik (17)—were injured. While Meerna is undergoing treatment at LBS Hospital, Malik was shifted to Max Hospital in Patparganj. Forensic teams and civic officials visited the site, and legal action is being taken, police said.
In another incident, a 13-year-old boy was injured in Karol Bagh after the balcony of a newly constructed third floor collapsed. The structure gave way during the storm while the boy was walking on the street. Police said the building was still under construction and that legal proceedings are underway.
Several parts of Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad experienced power outages, with electricity lines damaged by falling trees and branches. Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited said localities in Narela, Bawana, Badli, and Mangolpuri were affected, and maintenance teams were mobilised promptly. BSES said its operations and maintenance teams were also on high alert, and most power supply issues were resolved within hours.
Tree falls were reported across the city, particularly in Connaught Place, Jor Bagh, Patel Marg, Lodhi Garden, and Sardar Patel Marg. The New Delhi Municipal Council received eight calls regarding uprooted trees, while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi received four such complaints between 6 and 8 pm. The PWD registered 10 complaints, and the fire department got two distress calls related to tree damage.
The storm has caused concerns about crop and infrastructure damage.
An electric pole fell at ITO, and a tree reportedly fell on a parked motorcycle in central Delhi. No serious injuries were reported.
The IMD reiterated precautions in its advisory: stay indoors, secure windows and doors, avoid sheltering under trees, and unplug appliances. It warned of potential risks such as injury from flying debris, partial damage to weak structures, and falling trees or poles.
The dust storm and isolated rain led to a slight improvement in air quality, with the AQI recorded at 164 in the ‘moderate’ category at 4 pm, while the AQI on Friday morning was 172 according to the Central Pollution Control Board.
The IMD forecast said thunderstorms with light rain may continue into Saturday, with maximum temperatures expected to hover around 35°C and minimums around 20°C.
This comes after the capital experienced a heatwave earlier in the week, with temperatures hitting 40 degrees Celsius on Monday and recording the warmest April night in three years at 25.9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.
(With inputs from PTI)