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A massive dust storm barrelled through several parts of Rajasthan on Saturday, even as an active western disturbance triggered rain at most parts of north India, bringing much-needed relief from the sweltering heat that baked the region for the past few days. In Rajasthan, the storm triggered by a western disturbance affected Churu, Bikaner, Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar, Nagaur, Didwana-Kuchaman, Alwar and Sikar districts, while Jaipur witnessed strong winds followed by rain. Clouds of dust and sand engulfed many towns, reducing visibility to zero and forcing motorists to switch on headlights during the day. Winds initially picked up in Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar regions, reaching speeds of around 56 kmph, officials said. While the storm disrupted normal life, the accompanying rain brought relief from the intense heatwave conditions in several parts of the desert state. "We never imagined such a massive dust storm could engulf the city. The sky turned dark around 2 pm, almost l
Dust storms and heavy winds hit parts of Delhi amid red and orange alerts on Saturday evening as the India Meteorological Department forecast strong thunderstorms, lightning, hail and rain. The weather department said a dust storm followed by a severe thunderstorm accompanied by lightning, hail and light to moderate rain is very likely over parts of central, northeast, southwest, west, northwest and north Delhi. Wind speeds are expected to range between 70 and 90 kmph, gusting up to 100 kmph. It said moderate thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and light to moderate rain are very likely over parts of southeast, east, central, northeast, south, southwest, west, northwest and north Delhi, as well as Shahdara and New Delhi districts. Winds may blow at speeds of 40 to 60 kmph, gusting up to 80 kmph. Light rain is also very likely over parts of south Delhi, the IMD said. It advised residents to remain indoors, avoid taking shelter under trees, stay away from weak structures and unp
The scorching heat, which has been slowly but steadily gripping northern states, showed no signs of abating, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) released detailed guidelines and advisories on how to combat and survive heatwaves on Saturday, with Delhi logging its hottest day of the season, so far. Temperatures in several regions have been significantly above normal - by five degrees Celsius or more - indicating a developing heat stress scenario across parts of the country, according to the IMD. Meanwhile, India's peak power demand hit a record high of 252.07 GW on Friday following an intensifying heat wave, which pushed up the use of cooling devices like air conditioners and desert coolers, according to the latest power ministry data. The previous record high of 250 GW peak power demand was recorded in May 2024. Isolated areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and central India are expected to experience ..