Dust storms hit Delhi on Tuesday, though the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for all parts of the capital in the afternoon.
The Meteorological Department expected moderate rain in various places, and light rain in most parts of the city, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. However, winds are likely to be strong between 60-70 kmph, reaching 80 kmph in parts of the capital.
Palam, Dwarka and adjoining areas recorded wind speeds of up to 92 kmph (50 knots) as of 2.30 pm AEDT. This comes after the district-level Regional Meteorological Center put Delhi under orange alert at around 1pm on Tuesday, predicting a moderate thunderstorm with lightning.
“Light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by gusty winds (50-60 kmph with speed up to 70 kmph) are very likely at many places over Delhi,” the Regional Meteorological Center said, adding that the alert would remain in force till 5 pm on Tuesday.
The Meteorological Center has also forecast a dust storm, followed by thunderstorms and light rain, in parts of the adjoining National Capital Region, including Fatehabad, Barwala, Jind, Adampur, Hisar, Gohana, Hansi, Siwani, Maham, Sonipat, Tosham, Rohtak, Kharkhuda, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Mattanhill and other areas during the next two hours.
The mercury is expected to reach between 38°C and 40°C on Tuesday, and the AQI was recorded at 135 (moderate) at 9am.
