Dust storm disrupts life in Delhi, flights diverted, red alert issued

A powerful dust storm swept across Delhi and nearby areas on Friday evening, bringing strong winds, low visibility, and flight disruptions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the city, warning of thunderstorms and gusty winds up to 80 km/h. The alert remained in effect until 9 PM.

More than 15 flights were diverted at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet confirmed delays and diversions. Passengers were advised to stay updated and check with their airlines before heading to the airport.

#TravelAdvisory

Poor weather, caused by heavy thunderstorms and gusty winds, has affected flight operations across parts of Northern India. Some of our flights to and from Delhi are being delayed or diverted, which is likely to impact our overall flight schedule. We are closely…

— Air India (@airindia) April 11, 2025

The storm also caused damage across the city. Tree branches fell in several areas including Mandi House, Delhi Gate, and Lodhi Garden. A parked motorcycle was crushed by a fallen tree, and traffic slowed down in multiple locations due to debris on the roads. Visuals showed heavy dust covering buildings and vehicles.

The IMD said there is a risk of injury to people and cattle in open areas, along with partial damage to weak structures. Kutcha houses and huts could suffer minor harm, and loose objects might get blown away. An orange alert was also issued, advising residents to “be prepared” and “take action.” People were urged to stay indoors, secure windows and doors, and avoid unnecessary travel. The IMD advised against sheltering under trees or touching concrete surfaces. People should unplug appliances, stay away from water bodies, and avoid contact with metal or anything that conducts electricity.

Delhi experienced sunny weather earlier in the day, but the sky turned cloudy by evening. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 35.8°C, slightly below normal, while the minimum was 22.8°C, which was 1.8°C above normal. Humidity ranged from 69 to 61 percent.

The weather office has forecast thunderstorms with rain for Saturday. The maximum temperature is likely to be around 35°C, while the minimum could dip to 20°C. Delhi’s air quality showed some improvement, moving from the 'poor' to the 'moderate' category. The AQI was 164 at 4 PM, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.

The IMD also said thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy winds are likely in Delhi, NCR, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh for the next few hours. The weather office also warned that hailstorms could cause injury to people and livestock. Weak structures and crops are at risk of damage.

This was the second consecutive day of severe weather in Delhi. Just days earlier, the capital experienced a heatwave with temperatures touching 40°C. On Wednesday, the city recorded its warmest night in three years with a minimum temperature of 25.9°C.

Authorities urged residents to stay indoors, unplug electrical appliances, and avoid open areas. The dust storm has offered some relief from the heat, but it also raised safety concerns across the city.

Support us to keep independent environmental journalism alive in India.

Keep Reading

'Forever Chemicals' found in all the world's toilet paper

Trump shuts down staff helping families pay heating bills

Full list of words banned by Trump, including ‘Climate Change'

Oil companies seek Trump's help to fight climate lawsuits & regulations

Follow Ground Report on X, Instagram and Facebook for environmental and underreported stories from the margins. Give us feedback on our email id [email protected]. 

Don't forget to Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, Join our community on WhatsApp, and Follow our YouTube Channel