Delhi Hit by Powerful Dust Storm; IMD Sounds Red Alert for Rain, Thunderstorms, Delhi Airport Issues Advisory

Delhi witnessed a sudden and dramatic change in weather on Monday afternoon as a powerful dust storm, accompanied by strong winds and light rainfall, swept across the city.

The abrupt shift in conditions reduced visibility in several areas and prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for the national capital.

The weather department has warned that thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds are likely to continue across many parts of Delhi, urging residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions.

IMD Issues Red Alert for Severe Weather

The IMD said that a dust storm followed by thunderstorms, lightning, and light to moderate rainfall is very likely across the entire city. According to the forecast, wind speeds could range between 70 and 90 kmph in some areas.

दिल्ली-NCR में धूल भरी आंधी के साथ मौसम ने ली करवट, बारिश का अलर्ट भी जारी #Delhi #Weather #DelhiNcr #Breaking #Weatherupdate pic.twitter.com/QZn5gLnKqe

— Journalist Ravendra kumar (@Chhotukingoffi1) June 15, 2026

The department advised people to stay indoors as far as possible, avoid taking shelter under trees or weak structures, and exercise caution while driving or travelling.

A red alert is the highest level of weather warning issued by the IMD and indicates that immediate action may be required to ensure public safety.

Strong Winds Sweep Across Delhi, Rajasthan

The impact of the weather system was clearly visible across the city as thick dust clouds covered the sky and strong winds disrupted normal activity.

Windy and dust storm.
Stay alert.#weather #delhi pic.twitter.com/PTnvGmOc2D

— navneet singh (@navneetsport) June 15, 2026

According to the IMD, the Palam weather station recorded winds of 50 knots (around 92 kmph) at around 2:30 pm, highlighting the intensity of the storm.

Many parts of Delhi experienced a sudden drop in visibility due to blowing dust, while light showers in some areas brought temporary relief from the heat.

Not just Delhi NCR, but a massive dust storm swept across a highway in Rajasthan's Churu district, reducing visibility to near zero and severely disrupting traffic movement as thick clouds of dust and strong winds engulfed the stretch.

#WATCH | Delhi witnesses a weather change as a dust storm sweeps across the Dwarka Sector 12 Metro station area. pic.twitter.com/5JyMlBsk6J

— ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2026

More Rain and Thunderstorms Likely

The weather department has forecast that several areas of Delhi are likely to receive additional light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.
Sustained wind speeds of 60 to 70 kmph are expected, with gusts potentially reaching 80 kmph in isolated locations.

The city had already witnessed scattered light rain during the morning hours, but conditions worsened significantly in the afternoon as the storm system intensified.

What Caused the Sudden Weather Change?

Meteorologists have attributed the sudden change in weather to the influence of a western disturbance, a weather system that originates outside India and moves towards the northwestern parts of the country.

Western disturbances often bring rain, thunderstorms, dust storms, and relatively cooler temperatures to states in northern India, especially during seasonal transitions.
According to experts, the current weather activity is linked to such a system affecting the

Himalayan region. However, its influence is expected to weaken from Tuesday onwards.

Temporary Relief From Heat, But Hot Days May Return

Despite the stormy conditions, Delhi started the day on a relatively warm note. The Safdarjung weather station, considered the city's primary observatory, recorded a minimum temperature of 28.2 degrees Celsius, which was 0.7 degrees above the seasonal average.

The rainfall and strong winds are expected to provide temporary relief from the prevailing heat. However, meteorologists believe temperatures could begin rising again once the western disturbance moves away and weather conditions stabilise.

Safety Advisory for Residents

In view of the red alert, authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant and follow weather updates issued by the IMD. People are encouraged to:

• Stay indoors during thunderstorms and dust storms whenever possible.
• Avoid standing under trees, electric poles, or temporary structures.
• Drive carefully, as strong winds and low visibility may affect road conditions.
• Secure loose outdoor objects that could be blown away by high-speed winds.

With severe weather likely to continue for some time, officials have urged the public to prioritise safety and avoid unnecessary exposure until conditions improve.