Delhi-NCR Swept by Dust Storm, Air Quality Takes a Hit
A powerful dust storm lashed Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) on Thursday, bringing a sudden change in weather and plunging air quality to the ‘poor’ category.
A Blanket of Dust
Social media was abuzz with images showing thick layers of dust engulfing various parts of Delhi, including iconic landmarks like India Gate and Akshardham. The storm’s reach extended to Noida and other NCR cities like Ghaziabad and Greater Noida.
Sudden Shift from Heatwave
The dust storm arrived after a prolonged period of intense heatwave conditions in the region. It caused significant disruptions, impacting the movement of commuters and daily life in general.
Windy Conditions and Poor Visibility
Gusty winds, clocking in at 30 to 40 kmph, whipped up the dust storm according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Visibility plummeted at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), dropping from 4,500 meters to a mere 1,200 meters between 10 pm and 11:30 pm on Wednesday night. Following the storm, calm winds prevented the dust from dispersing, leading to continued poor visibility.
Air Quality Deteriorates
The dust storm had a direct impact on Delhi’s air quality, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the ‘poor’ category. By 8 am, the AQI stood at 236, a sharp contrast to the ‘moderate’ range it had maintained for the past few weeks. This significant spike in pollution levels is a cause for concern for residents.
Safety Measures and Forecasts
Authorities urged residents to take precautions, including staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, and, if possible, staying indoors. The IMD has predicted strong surface winds throughout the day, suggesting the potential for further dust and wind activity.
Echoes of Past Dust Storms
Delhi and the NCR have experienced similar dust storms in the past. Notably, in April 2025, a powerful dust storm accompanied by heavy rain disrupted daily life, led to the closure of the Indira Gandhi International Airport, and tragically resulted in one fatality due to a wall collapse.
