NEW DELHI: A spell of turbulent weather continued to impact Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Saturday, with powerful dust storms and strong winds causing widespread disruption.
For the third consecutive day, the region experienced intense weather conditions, leading to property damage, uprooted trees, and major traffic disruptions.
In Noida, heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds caused significant damage. Several trees were uprooted across various sectors, with some falling onto parked vehicles.
At the New Ashok Nagar station, part of the tin roof of the Rapid Rail Metro (RRTS) shed was damaged due to the intense windstorm. In an official statement, RRTS authorities confirmed that operations at the station were temporarily suspended as a safety precaution.
“No injuries have been reported, and a detailed investigation is underway. Necessary corrective measures are being initiated to prevent any recurrence,” the statement read. Services at New Ashok Nagar station will remain suspended until further notice.
A traffic light pole also collapsed near DM Chowk during the storm, further complicating traffic conditions. In Connaught Place, trees were uprooted at four different locations, damaging several vehicles and causing significant traffic jams in the area.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier predicted thunderstorms and rain for the day, with maximum temperatures expected to reach around 42°C. At around 3:30 pm, the IMD issued an alert warning of a dust storm followed by thunderstorms, light to moderate rainfall, and lightning in Delhi and NCR. Gusty winds, with speeds of 40 to 60 km/h, were forecast.
The region has been grappling with persistent weather disturbances since Thursday.
The IMD attributed the dusty conditions to winds carrying dust from northern Pakistan, passing through Punjab and Haryana, and affecting the Delhi-NCR region. On Friday, similar weather conditions were observed, with rain and thunderstorms reported in areas such as Narela, Bawana, Rohini, Burari, Karawal Nagar, Safdarjung, and Lodhi Road.
Gusty winds reached speeds of up to 60 km/h, and rainfall was recorded at various locations: 1.4 mm at Safdarjung, 7.2 mm at Aya Nagar, and 3 mm at Ridge. Despite the rainfall, daytime temperatures remained high. Delhi recorded a maximum of 42.3°C, with Aya Nagar reaching 44°C, Palam 43.3°C, and Ridge 43.2°C.
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 NCR on Friday, following a spike in the AQI on May 15.
Three killed in wall collapse at under-contruction building
Three people were killed when a wall collapsed at an under-construction basement site of a building, following heavy rainfall, at Arakashan Road in Paharganj on Saturday evening. The victims—Prabhu (65), Niranjan (40), both residents of Bihar, and Roshan (35)—resident of UP were identified as the contractor and workers, said DCP (central) M Harsha Vardhan. Another individual, Chuttan (35), was injured and hospitalised. Rescue operations ongoing at the site.