Strong Winds, Dust Storms Lash Delhi-NCR; Trees, Poles Uprooted, Rain Brings Temporary Relief

Parts of Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad saw power disruptions, traffic snarls, and property damage as the region braced for a third consecutive day of dust-laden thunderstorms.

New Delhi | May 17, 2025 — For the third day in a row, Delhi-NCR was battered by strong winds and dust storms, with Saturday’s squall toppling trees, damaging metro infrastructure, and disrupting traffic across the region.

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In Noida, gusty winds tore down trees, shed structures, and even a traffic light pole near DM Chowk. The Rapid Rail Metro station at Ashok Nagar also suffered structural damage to its roofing due to the high-intensity winds accompanied by rain.

In Delhi’s Connaught Place, a large tree was uprooted near PVR Plaza following a brief thunderstorm, leading to traffic congestion and vehicular damage.

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IMD Alert & Forecast

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD):

• Thunderstorms with gusty winds (40–60 km/h), light to moderate rainfall, and lightning are likely across Delhi and surrounding NCR districts.
• Dust from northern Pakistan continues to sweep into Delhi via Punjab and Haryana, reducing visibility and exacerbating air quality issues.

Saturday’s weather conditions were preceded by similar phenomena on Thursday and Friday, with areas like Rohini, Karawal Nagar, DU, and Kashmiri Gate experiencing light showers, lightning, and dust storms.

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Rainfall and Temperatures

Rainfall recorded (2:30 PM–5:30 PM) on Saturday:

• Safdarjung: 1.4 mm
• Aya Nagar: 7.2 mm
• Ridge: 3 mm
• Pusa: 2.5 mm
• Pitampura: 2 mm

Temperatures remained high despite the rain:

• Safdarjung: 42.3°C (2°C above normal)
• Aya Nagar: 44°C
• Palam: 43.3°C
• Ridge: 43.2°C
• Minimum: 26.2°C (slightly below normal)

Air Quality Concerns

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reimposed Stage-I GRAP restrictions across NCR after a sharp deterioration in AQI levels on May 15, attributed to dust storms and wind-driven particulate matter.

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Delhi NCR weather update, dust storm Delhi, IMD thunderstorm alert, Noida tree fall, Delhi rain today, CAQM GRAP Stage 1, Delhi air pollution spike, climate impact Delhi