Delhi-NCR Braces for Fierce Weather as 128 km/h Winds and Dust Storms Lash the Region for First Time in 25 Years

Delhi-NCR was hit by a strong spell of thunderstorm, dust storm, lightning and brief rain on Tuesday night, sharply changing the weather across the region and bringing temporary relief from intense heat. The storm also disrupted conditions in several parts of the capital and adjoining areas, even though the rainfall was lighter than expected.

The strongest gust was recorded in Pusa, where wind speeds reached 128 kmph late at night. Palam saw wind speeds of 120 kmph, matching a 25-year-old record for the station. The India Meteorological Department said Palam recorded its peak wind speed between 6:50 pm and 6:52 pm, equal to the earlier record set on June 4, 2001. Historical data shows that stronger gusts were recorded in earlier decades, including 147 kmph in May 1991, 145 kmph in May 1989, 139 kmph in June 1997 and 126 kmph in June 1988.

Several other weather stations across Delhi also reported strong winds. Safdarjung recorded gusts of 64 kmph, Pusa 80 kmph, Jaffarpur 59 kmph, Chhatarpur 56 kmph, Pitampura 35 kmph, Lodhi Road 31 kmph and Janakpuri 30 kmph. The storm was accompanied by dust, lightning and scattered rain, lowering temperatures and easing the day’s extreme heat.

The weather department had already forecast thunderstorms, hail, moderate rain and strong winds for Delhi-NCR, Haryana and parts of Rajasthan, citing favourable atmospheric conditions across northwest India. Meteorologists said a cyclonic circulation over central Pakistan and nearby areas played a key role in disturbing weather patterns over Delhi-NCR and the larger northwest region.

Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet Weather, said the combination of severe daytime heat and moisture flowing in from the Arabian Sea created ideal conditions for storm development. He noted that strong winds, dust storms and rain were triggered by this mix of heat and humidity.

According to forecasts, the weather is unlikely to remain completely clear on Wednesday. Light to moderate rain, strong winds, partial cloud cover and a chance of thunder and lightning are expected in several places. Maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 44 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Weather experts expect pre-monsoon activity to intensify further from June 11, bringing heavier rain to Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. With the increase in rainfall, temperatures are likely to drop below 40 degrees Celsius in the coming days, offering relief from the ongoing heatwave-like conditions.

Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorms and avoid standing under isolated trees, near electric poles or close to weak structures.