Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) experienced a sudden weather shift on Sunday, June 1, 2025, as a dust storm swept through the area, followed by light rainfall in some parts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had already predicted these conditions, forecasting more showers and strong winds for the region.
The IMD had anticipated dust storms and thunderstorms for Delhi-NCR, accompanied by gusty winds and lightning. The regional meteorological center issued a yellow alert effective till June 3, indicating the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning. While a specific rainfall warning wasn't issued, light showers were expected throughout the day, with partly cloudy skies.
The dust storm reduced visibility in several areas, and residents shared visuals of the weather disturbance on social media, showing trees swaying vigorously in the wind. The IMD reported that some parts of Delhi experienced wind speeds reaching 66 kmph.
Following the dust storm, light rain hit parts of Delhi and NCR, bringing temporary relief from the dry heat. The IMD прогнозирует, что в южных районах Дели выпадет небольшой дождь с грозами и ветром со скоростью 30–40 км/ч, порывы до 50 км/ч.
The weather shift also impacted air quality in Delhi. While the air quality had been in the 'moderate' category in the morning, it was expected to improve with the predicted rainfall.
Looking ahead, the IMD forecasts similar weather conditions to persist until June 4, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures expected to be lower than normal. The maximum temperature is likely to settle between 37 and 39 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature will hover around 25-27 degrees Celsius.
This May, Delhi has experienced an unusual amount of rainfall, breaking previous records. As of May 28, the city had already received 186.4 mm of rain, surpassing the previous high of 165 mm recorded in May 2008. The average rainfall for May is typically around 30.7 mm. The month has been marked by five significant storms, including a dust storm with 77 mm of rainfall and winds up to 80 km/h on May 2.
The early and strong onset of the southwest monsoon is also predicted to bring above-normal rainfall to Delhi, Chandigarh, and Haryana this year. The IMD forecasts rainfall in the area to be 114% of the long-period average (LPA), with the normal monsoon season rainfall at 431 mm.
Residents are advised to stay updated on the weather conditions and take necessary precautions during thunderstorms and strong winds.
