New Delhi, June 23 (IANS) A sudden spell of severe weather swept through Delhi and adjoining parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) on Tuesday afternoon, with intense dust storms and powerful winds disrupting normal life and prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a Red alert, expected to last for at least 3 hours.

The Weather Department warned that adverse conditions were likely to persist for at least three hours, with wind speeds potentially touching 100 kmph in isolated areas. It also forecast thunderstorms, lightning activity and light rainfall across several parts of the region.

The dramatic change in weather began around 2.30 p.m., when the IMD issued urgent advisories for Delhi as well as neighbouring areas of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Soon after, strong gusts of wind swept across the capital, significantly reducing visibility as thick clouds of dust enveloped roads, open spaces and residential neighbourhoods.

The weather event brought temporary respite from the intense heat that had prevailed across the region over the past few days. Meteorologists noted that above-normal temperatures had created favourable atmospheric conditions, leading to the build-up of energy that contributed to the sudden storm activity.

The IMD forecast that the dust storm would be followed by thunderstorms, lightning, and light rainfall as moisture-bearing winds interacted with the unstable atmosphere. The rainfall is expected to help settle dust particles and bring further cooling to the region.

The alert extended beyond Delhi to several districts in neighbouring states. In Haryana, areas including Sonipat, Rohtak, Kharkhoda, Bhiwani, and Charkhi Dadri were expected to be affected. In Uttar Pradesh, warnings were issued for Bagpat, Khekra, Pilakhua, and Sikandrabad, while parts of Rajasthan such as Alwar, Bhiwadi, Tijara, and Deeg were also placed under watch.

According to the IMD, dust storms followed by thunderstorms, lightning, light rain and gusty winds ranging between 50 and 80 kmph were likely to impact Delhi and the surrounding NCR regions during the afternoon.

Weather observers also indicated the possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in several parts of Delhi-NCR. However, conditions were expected to improve gradually, with dry weather likely to return by the evening.

–IANS

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