A dramatic change in weather in Delhi-NCR today as a huge dust storm engulfed large parts of the region, reducing visibility and providing temporary relief from the heat. The sudden weather event came the instant after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) extended an orange warning about thunderstorms, rain, lightning, and strong gusty winds reported in Delhi-NCR and neighboring areas, and people were on high alert as there was a sudden change in weather.
The weather system was believed to originate from thunderstorm activity across Haryana before passing through the National Capital Region quickly. Heavy winds carrying dust swept through Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida, and other cities, creating hazy conditions and significantly lowering visibility in many areas. Although the storms did have some impact on commuters, it also helped to lower temperatures after days of blistering summer temperatures.
Dust Storm Sweeps Across Delhi-NCR
The wind speed was 40-80 kmph in some places, while in other places it reached up to 50-90 kmph, according to weather officials. The sudden wind surge caused dust-filled skies and challenging driving situations on large roads and highways.
Private weather forecasters and IMD officials advised residents to remain indoors during the peak of the storm. People should also secure loose outdoor objects and avoid standing near trees, electric poles, and power lines due to strong winds and lightning activity, they said.
As visibility fluctuated throughout the afternoon, traffic authorities issued warning advisories. But despite the intense weather conditions, there were no immediate concerns for flight operations or public transport services, and there was no major disruption at all in the air travel services yet, although the weather was still very severe.
#WATCH | A dustorm hits Delhi, bringing in a change in weather. Latest visuals from Kartavya Path and around India Gate. pic.twitter.com/vXp7RoJhj8
— ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2026
IMD Issues Orange Alert for Rain and Thunderstorms
The IMD also predicted that the dust storm would likely be followed by a spell of rain and thunderstorms in the area. Moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by lightning and strong winds, was predicted between 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm in some parts of Delhi-NCR, it said.
The weather department warned that conditions affecting Gurugram and Delhi may quickly spread to neighboring districts, and that Gurugram and Delhi officials are on alert. At the same time, citizens should be careful when traveling and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities as it is very cold and windy, they should keep in mind, they said.
According to the latest forecast, Delhi is expected to have a partly cloudy sky with light to light rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning through the afternoon and evening hours.
Relief from Heat but Caution Remains
The storm had a very brief cooling down effect on the capital region. After a long day of hot and humid weather, the gusty winds and cloud cover provided a brief respite from that heat.
But meteorologists warned that weather conditions could remain variable over the next several hours. Maximum temperatures will remain between 39°C and 41°C, even with the brief cooling effect brought by the storm.
The IMD has advised citizens to keep up with official weather bulletins and be alert as thunderstorms, lightning strikes, and strong surface winds continue to impact parts of Delhi-NCR. While the dust storm might have helped in the heat of the summer to some extent, public safety must be prioritized in this rapidly changing area.
