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Delhi Reels: 120kmph Dust Storm Halts Flights
10 Jun
Summary
- Dust storm hit Delhi-NCR with winds up to 120kmph.
- Nearly 400 flights were delayed, and two were diverted.
- This pre-monsoon activity is typical for the region.
A fierce dust storm engulfed Delhi-NCR on Tuesday evening, with wind speeds peaking at 120kmph in Palam, marking the highest velocity recorded there since April 27, 2005. This intense weather event caused significant disruptions at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, leading to the diversion of two flights and delays for over 400 others. Palam registered the highest wind speed at 120kmph, followed by 80kmph at Pusa and 64kmph at Safdarjung.
Meteorological officials classified the event as a squall, a phenomenon occurring when wind speed rapidly increases. Experts described it as typical pre-monsoon activity, fueled by high daytime temperatures and sufficient atmospheric moisture, resulting in convective thunderstorm development. The India Meteorological Department forecasts similar conditions for Wednesday, with potential for evening thunderstorms, and has issued an orange alert for Thursday due to an approaching western disturbance.
Delhi experienced its highest temperature of the month on Tuesday, reaching 43.5°C, with a heat index around 45°C due to high humidity. The dust storm, a dry thunderstorm event, did not cause a significant drop in temperature. Air quality in Delhi, previously in the moderate category, is expected to worsen on Wednesday as a result of the dust.
