Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are bracing for a weekend of turbulent weather, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting dust storms, thunderstorms, and the likelihood of rain. Residents can anticipate cloudy skies and gusty winds.
The IMD has predicted a cloudy sky with thunder and lightning for both Saturday and Sunday. Dust storms with winds reaching 40-50 kmph are expected, followed by rain. The weather department had earlier issued an advisory, urging residents to prepare for turbulent conditions, including gusty winds up to 70 kmph.
Saturday morning in the national capital saw a minimum temperature of 34.8 degrees Celsius, which is 5.6 degrees below the seasonal average. The relative humidity was recorded at 64% at 8:30 am. Air quality was in the "poor" category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 204 at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The weather patterns are attributed to a western disturbance affecting northwest India. Similar conditions have been observed throughout May, which has been recorded as Delhi's wettest May ever, with rainfall reaching 186.4 mm, surpassing the 2008 record of 165 mm.
Recent weather events in Delhi-NCR include:
Earlier in the week, a dust storm with winds up to 76 km/h caused property damage, uprooted trees, and disrupted Delhi Metro services. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) reported damage to Overhead Equipment (OHE) on the Red, Yellow, and Pink lines due to strong winds and flying debris. Air travel was also affected, with flights experiencing delays and cancellations at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.
Authorities advise residents to stay indoors during storms and remain cautious. Air India has issued an advisory for flights from IGI airport, urging passengers to check their flight status and allow extra travel time.
