Delhi NCR witnessed yet another extreme weather condition. It was a sudden dust storm followed by thunderstorms swept through Delhi and its surrounding areas on Sunday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has now issued a fresh alert warning of more rain, strong winds, and potential disruptions in the coming hours.As per IMD, Delhi and its adjoining National Capital Region (NCR) — including Noida, Gurgaon, and Faridabad — can expect continued thunderstorms accompanied by wind speeds reaching up to 60 kmph.
Sunday’s sudden storm darkened skies and disrupted daily routines. Dust storms reduced visibility, and soon brought rain showers. It caused traffic jams across major routes. Commuters faced delays, and local authorities were kept busy clearing fallen trees and debris.Residents took to social media to share dramatic visuals of swirling dust, bending trees, and darkening clouds — scenes that have become increasingly common in recent pre-monsoon patterns. Experts suggest that this kind of storm activity may be linked to larger shifts in regional climate dynamics, though detailed assessments are ongoing.Flight operations hitThe most significant impact was seen at Indira Gandhi International Airport, where adverse conditions disrupted flight schedules.
At least 14 flights, including domestic and international services, were diverted due to poor visibility and dangerous wind speeds. One IndiGo aircraft reportedly faced gusts of up to 80 kmph while attempting to land. The flight was forced into a holding pattern before safely touching down after multiple attempts — a stark reminder of the operational challenges posed by sudden weather shifts.Warnings across IndiaThe IMD's warnings extend well beyond the capital.
Several northern and northeastern states have been placed on alert as India braces for a wider atmospheric disturbance. States such as Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, and parts of Rajasthan are expected to experience thunder with wind speeds of 50–60 kmph.In the Northeast, heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for regions including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya. The IMD has flagged June 2 as a particularly critical day, with warnings issued for intense precipitation and lightning across large swathes of the country.
Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, East Rajasthan, and parts of Kerala are also on alert for heavy downpours.
With forecasts pointing to more turbulent weather, authorities have urged citizens to remain indoors during storms, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official advisories closely. As India edges closer to the monsoon season, the IMD continues to monitor developing systems that could impact both urban and rural areas in the days ahead.For now, Delhi and several other states remain under watch — with the skies continuing to reflect the country’s shifting weather mood.
English (US) ·