Delhi-NCR Wakes Up To Cool, Cloudy Morning After Dust Storm; More Rain Likely, Flights Resume

After a powerful dust storm and heavy rain on Wednesday evening, residents across Delhi-NCR woke up to a calm and pleasant morning on Thursday.

The sky remained cloudy, and the temperature dropped to around 19°C, bringing much-needed relief from the early March heat.

Many areas, including India Gate and Kartavya Path, saw cool winds and overcast skies, creating a refreshing start to the day.

Heavy Storm Causes Panic Across the City

The sudden storm on Wednesday evening created panic in several parts of Delhi-NCR. Strong winds, loud noises, and flying debris were reported as dust swept across the region.

In many residential areas, items like clothes and objects from balconies were blown away. Some people even reported hearing glass cracking due to the intensity of the winds. Videos of the storm quickly surfaced on social media, showing the severity of the situation.

Rain Brings Relief From Rising Heat

The rainfall came as a relief for residents after an unusually warm start to March. Just a day earlier, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 31.6°C, which was close to normal but felt hotter due to dry conditions.

With the rain and cloud cover, temperatures are now expected to remain stable or slightly lower over the next few days.

More Rain and Strong Winds Expected

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a western disturbance is currently affecting the region and will continue to influence the weather until Friday.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Thursday and Friday. Wind speeds may reach 40-50 kmph, along with light to moderate rainfall in parts of Delhi-NCR. There is also a possibility of more showers later in the evening today.

Air Quality Remains Poor Despite Rain

Even after the rainfall, Delhi's air quality has not improved much. The Air Quality Index (AQI) stands at 201, which falls in the "poor" category and is similar to the previous day.
This shows that while rain helps settle dust temporarily, pollution levels remain a concern in the capital.

Flight Operations Affected, Now Gradually Resuming

The bad weather also impacted flight operations in Delhi. According to airport authorities, at least 22 flights were diverted on Wednesday due to the storm.

Airline IndiGo issued a travel advisory, informing passengers about temporary disruptions in both Delhi and Bengaluru. The airline said that weather conditions are now improving and flights are gradually returning to normal.

Passengers have been advised to check flight updates through official websites or apps. IndiGo also assured that their staff is assisting travellers and working to ensure a smooth journey as conditions stabilise.