Dust storm hits Delhi, wind speed exceeds 80 kmph

Dust storm hit parts of Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) on Saturday afternoon. The weather department also forecast light showers and squally wind towards the evening.

Dusty winds exceeding the speed of 80 kmph enveloped the Capital and cities of Noida, Gurugram and Faridabad. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had also predicted thunderstorm with rain across places in Mahendragarh, Kosli, Manesar, Ballabhgarh, Noida and Greater Noida by evening.

Issuing a warning, earlier in the day, the weatherman had advised people to stay indoors, following the high speed of winds during the storm. The dust storm, however, failed to provide any relief from the scorching heat that has hit the Capital in the past few days. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 41 degrees Celsius on Saturday, with the minimum settling at 26 degrees.

According to the weather department, skies will remain partly cloudy with the possibility of thunder and lightning on Sunday. The department has also predicted a steady rise in temperature in the coming week, warning of hotter days as the week progresses. The maximum temperature will touch 44 degrees Celsius on Tuesday and the minimum will be around 28 degrees Celsius. Sky will remain clear with the sun shining brightly to add to the high mercurial level.

The Capital witnessed massive storm a few days ago that left the city with uprooted trees, toppled ice cream carts and massive power cuts. This was the second such storm to hit Delhi. On Sunday, a violent dust storm followed by rain and lightning lashed the Capital and its adjoining cities which led to the death of two people and injured around 18. However, no report of damage to life or property was recorded on Saturday.

WEATHER WOES

• Weather department has forecast light showers and squally wind towards the evening. 
   
• According to the weather dept, skies will remain partly cloudy with the possibility of thunder and lightning on Sunday.