Dust storm, thunderstorm, gusty winds strike Delhi-NCR

NEW DELHI: Dust storm and thunderstorm, followed by rain and gusty winds with speed of 50-70 km/h, struck Delhi-NCR on Friday night after days of scorching heat. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a warning of the same earlier.
The strong winds associated with this weather event have the potential to wreak havoc on various aspects of life and infrastructure in the affected areas.

Agricultural activities are likely to bear the brunt of the duststorm's fury. "Strong winds may damage plantation, horticulture and standing crops," leading to significant losses for farmers and those involved in related sectors. Additionally, the powerful winds could cause 'partial damage to vulnerable structures,' putting them at risk of collapse or requiring extensive repairs.

Furthermore, 'minor damage to kutcha houses/walls and huts' is anticipated, potentially displacing residents and causing inconvenience to those living in such dwellings. The duststorm's intensity may also lead to 'loose objects' being carried away by the wind, posing risks to both people and property in the vicinity, IMD warned.
The maximum temperature in Delhi on Friday settled at 39 degrees Celsius, normal for this time of the year, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The relative humidity oscillated between 47 and 64 per cent during the day, it said.
The weather office has forecast thunderstorm with rain on Saturday with maximum and minimum temperatures likely to settle at 39 and 29 degrees Celsius, respectively.