Dust storm lashes Delhi, disrupts traffic

A massive dust storm accompanied by strong winds lashed Delhi on Saturday evening leading to trees falling in some areas and disrupting traffic in several parts of west and south Delhi.

The dust storm, which came after showers in the morning in the city, was again followed by rain as well as hail in some parts of Delhi.

However the minimum and maximum temperatures remained above average.

Traffic police officials said they received calls about falling of trees in Rohini and Pitampura in north Delhi, which led to congestion on roads. Some vehicles were also damaged when the falling trees fell on them.

The dust storm resulted in traffic snarls between 4 p.m. to 7.30 pm in many parts of west Delhi including Azadpur, Jahangirpuri and Punjabi Bagh. In south Delhi, the affected areas included Moti Nagar and Vasant Vihar.

Commuters tweeted about the dust storm.

"Delhi, this is one big storm coming. Get yourself in people," Shikha Gautam tweeted.

"Heavy rain and hail storm in Delhi, leads traffic chaos," Arpit Pal said.

Weather officials said that the dust storm had come due to western disturbances and such conditions are expected to last till Monday.

Power cuts were also reported from many parts of the city.

The Met office said that the maximum temperature was recorded at 31 degrees Celsius, one notch above the season's average.

"Sunday morning will start with mist and haze while generally cloudy sky, thunderstorm with rain is very likely to occur towards afternoon and evening," said an official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

The maximum and minimum temperatures on Sunday are likely to hover around 27 and 15 degrees Celsius respectively.

Saturday's minimum temperature was 18.5 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average, while the minimum and maximum humidity ranged between 53 and 96 percent.

The IMD official said that the national capital received 9.1 mm rainfall by 8.30 a.m. on Saturday. Showers again lashed the city in the evening.

Friday's minimum temperature was recorded at 19 degrees Celsius, five notches above the season's average while the maximum was 33.5 degrees Celsius, four notches above the average.