Gurgaon experienced strong dust-laden winds on Tuesday evening, significantly reducing visibility in several areas and prompting weather warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD has forecast thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across parts of Haryana over the next four to five days.
Around 5 pm, residents from various parts of the city reported strong winds accompanied by dust clouds that engulfed roads and open spaces. The gusts swept through residential sectors and arterial roads, creating a loud howling sound, according to residents. Some parts of the city also witnessed a faint drizzle.
The sudden change in weather followed a hot and dry day. According to the IMD, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 43.1 degrees Celsius at the NorthCap University observatory and 42.1 degrees Celsius at the Gurgaon AWS station on Tuesday. The minimum temperature was 24 degrees Celsius, around 3 degrees below normal.
The IMD had issued a nowcast for Tuesday, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, gusty winds, and brief spells of rain in parts of Haryana, including Gurgaon. Wind speeds were forecast to range between 40 kmph and 60 kmph, with isolated areas likely to witness stronger gusts of 60-80 kmph and hail.
Private weather forecaster Navdeep Dhaiya stated that heat-induced thunderstorms developing over central Haryana were moving towards Delhi-NCR and were expected to affect Gurgaon during the evening. Residents reported swaying trees, flying debris, and reduced visibility on several stretches. The dust storm also brought temporary relief from the intense heat that had gripped the city over the past week.
The IMD has placed several districts under yellow and orange alerts until June 13, with wind speeds of up to 50-60 kmph expected during thunderstorm activity.
Residents have been advised to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under trees, and exercise caution while driving due to sudden drops in visibility and strong winds.
