Delhi Faces Severe Weather: Dust Storm, Hailstorm, Heavy Rains and Gusty Winds
Venturing through days of scorching temperatures exceeding 40 degrees, Delhi-NCR saw a sudden transformation in its weather landscape. On Wednesday evening, a dramatic shift in conditions occurred with the region engulfed in a gusty dust storm, which was followed by intense rainfall and hailstorms.
The strong winds and dust storm caused much devastation, with countless trees being uprooted in cities like Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Noida. Moreover, several domestic and international flights from various airports have been impacted due to adverse weather conditions. Teams at the Ahmedabad International Airport reported a tree falling at Indira Gandhi International Airport due to strong gusts.
The Delhi government has issued an "orange alert" for states including Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Himachal Pradesh. The Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a high chance of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and dust storms over certain regions in the next three to four hours.
Delhi recorded its highest minimum temperature of 30.2 degrees Celsius today. The weather forecast predicts a partly cloudy sky with a possibility of light rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and winds topping up to 40 kmph during the thunderstorm. Additionally, dust-raising winds are forecasted for the next 12 hours.
Airports in New Delhi and Ahmedabad, including Indira Gandhi International Airport and Ahmedabad International Airport, have experienced the worst of weather conditions. A passenger on an IndiGo flight operating from Delhi to Srinagar reported a sudden hailstorm, which compelled the flying crew to follow established protocols for a safe landing in Srinagar. After landing, the airport team attended to customers, prioritizing their wellbeing and comfort.
Moreover, several areas in the national capital are currently experiencing power disruptions due to falling of trees and their branches on electricity cables. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) carried out inspections and maintenance on overhead equipment, potentially jeopardizing train schedules on parts of the Red and Yellow Lines.
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