A dust storm swept through several parts of Delhi on Friday evening, uprooting trees and forcing residents to shut windows as strong winds carried dust into homes. The sudden weather change caused disruptions in traffic as fallen trees and branches obstructed roads, while flight operations in northern India were also impacted.
This marks the second consecutive day Delhi has experienced a dust storm.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange Alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorms in four districts of Himachal Pradesh, while Yellow Alerts were issued for four other districts.
According to weather reports, districts including Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Shimla, and Hamirpur witnessed thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by light to moderate rainfall in the past 24 hours. Gohar in Mandi recorded the highest rainfall at 19 mm, followed by Pandokhar in the same district with 14 mm. Other regions received light showers. Hailstorm activity was reported in Banjar (Kullu), Sundernagar (Mandi), and parts of Shimla.
Just days ago, areas such as Sundernagar, Bhuntar, and Dharamshala were reeling under heatwave conditions. However, the recent rainfall has brought much-needed relief, with temperatures dropping by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius, bringing them closer to seasonal norms.
As of Friday, thunderstorm and lightning activity was recorded in Chamba, Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan, and Shimla. Several areas also received light morning rain.
IMD officials expect the weather activity to persist throughout the day, with a high likelihood of hailstorms in Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, and Chamba districts. Thunderstorms and lightning are also expected in these regions.
“Thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorms are likely in parts of Himachal Pradesh. An Orange Alert has been issued for districts expected to see more intense activity, while Yellow Alerts are in place for regions with moderate weather events. People are advised to remain indoors during severe weather,” said IMD scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma.
— ANI
