Dust Storm and Rain Lash Delhi-NCR; IMD Issues Red Alert Amid Severe Weather Disruptions

New Delhi, April 11, 2025 . Weather Alert News — Delhi-NCR witnessed another day of intense dust storms and rain on Friday evening, as the region continued to reel under unstable weather conditions for the second consecutive day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for the national capital and surrounding areas, warning of heavy winds up to 70 km/h, accompanied by moderate rainfall and dust storms.

Weather Chaos Brings City to a Standstill

The fierce dust-laden winds that swept through Delhi created a haze across the city, significantly reducing visibility and making road travel difficult for both pedestrians and vehicles. As the storm transitioned into a sudden downpour, the weather turned chaotic in multiple districts including Gurugram and Noida, causing traffic snarls and public transport delays.

Several trees and electric poles were uprooted, damaging vehicles in areas like Sarai Rohilla and ITO, while heavy winds disrupted metro train speeds and triggered widespread traffic congestion during peak office hours.

Air and Rail Travel Disrupted

The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi was among the worst affected, with at least 15 flights diverted due to poor visibility and stormy conditions. Operations at other airports across North India also experienced delays and cancellations.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) reported slowdowns in train movement, while local authorities scrambled to manage fallen trees and broken power lines across key intersections.

IMD’s Red Alert and Weather Forecast

In its advisory issued Friday evening, the IMD stated:

“Over the next two hours, the entire Delhi-NCR region is likely to experience dust storms followed by light to moderate rain, accompanied by winds blowing at 40–60 km/h, potentially reaching 70 km/h in some areas.”

The ongoing weather activity has been attributed to a Western Disturbance, which is expected to influence rainfall and storm patterns from April 9 to 11. The IMD has advised residents to stay indoors, secure outdoor objects, and avoid travel unless necessary.

Relief from Heat, But With a Price

While the storm has brought a significant drop in temperatures, offering respite from the recent heatwave, it has also led to damages and disruptions across infrastructure, transport, and daily life in the capital and adjoining areas.

Authorities remain on alert for further weather disturbances, urging citizens to monitor official updates and follow safety advisories.