After enduring several days of scorching temperatures, Delhi and its neighboring regions experienced a shift in weather on Friday evening. Gusty winds triggered a dust storm across parts of the national capital, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, with the impact expected to last until 9 PM.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that the strong winds could damage crops and fragile structures. Residents were advised to stay indoors and minimize travel. The advisory also urged people to avoid taking shelter under trees, lying on concrete floors, or leaning against concrete walls, and recommended unplugging electrical devices and staying away from water bodies.
Flights delayed and several injured in this storm
According to Delhi Police, 2 people were killed in the storm which also injured around 17 people as it damaged buildings in several parts of the capital. Due to the sudden shift in weather conditions, authorities diverted nine flights—including two operated by Air India—from Delhi to Jaipur, sources confirmed.
The Delhi Police reported receiving 152 calls about fallen trees, 55 calls regarding structural damage, and 202 complaints related to power outages.
What are IMD’s forecast regarding the weather
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast another round of thundersquall activity in Delhi and nearby states on Saturday, April 12.
A thundersquall is a sudden and intense weather phenomenon marked by strong winds, heavy rain, thunder, and lightning. It typically develops rapidly, often ahead of a cold front or storm system. Despite its brief duration, a thundersquall can cause significant disruption, including damage to structures, reduced visibility, and power outages. In a press release, the IMD stated: “Thundersquall (wind speeds reaching 50–60 kmph) is very likely at isolated places over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, and Rajasthan on April 11 and 12.”
On Friday, the department noted that wind speeds would increase by night, coming from the northeast at under 20 kmph. Looking ahead to Saturday, it predicted partly cloudy skies with the possibility of very light rain or drizzle in the capital. Thunderstorms, lightning, and strong surface winds—ranging from 20–30 kmph and gusting up to 50 kmph—are also expected to affect the region.
The IMD has forecast maximum and minimum temperatures in Delhi to range between 35–37°C and 19–21°C, respectively. No heatwave warning has been issued until Monday, April 14. However, the department had earlier indicated that April is likely to be hotter than usual, with above-normal temperatures anticipated across much of the country.
Videos circulating online captured intense winds sweeping up dust and debris, partially covering vehicles and buildings. In several areas of Delhi, including Lodhi Garden, tree branches were brought down by the winds. In the Delhi Gate area, a fallen tree landed on a parked motorcycle.
Dust storm just swept through Delhi. I hope everyone is safe. A tree has fallen here in PTS Colony. The buildings in our colony are already quite weak, and such weather only highlights the urgent need for stronger infrastructure and timely maintenance.@MCD_Delhi @upadhyaysbjp pic.twitter.com/eCyaCfLHj1
— Poonam Bagri (@PoonamBagri19) April 11, 2025
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Brief respite for Delhiites after weeks of scorching heat
A brief spell of drizzle brought some respite from the heat, keeping temperatures in check and offering relief from the recent heatwave.
Earlier in the week, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 40°C for the first time this season on Monday, triggering a heatwave that lasted three consecutive days. On Wednesday, the city reported its warmest night in three years, with the minimum temperature settling at 25.9°C.
