A severe dust storm swept through Gurgaon on Saturday night around 9:30 PM, drastically reducing visibility. The event was followed by thunderstorm activity and lightning, with several areas recording light rainfall. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city received 8 mm of rain.
Weather Warning and Impact
A nowcast issued shortly before the storm warned that gusty winds of 30-50 kmph, accompanied by lightning and rain, were very likely within two hours. Several areas, including Sohna Road, Golf Course Extension Road, and Dwarka Expressway, witnessed intense winds that lifted loose dust and debris into the air. The Met department stated that moderate thunderstorms with wind speeds of 40-60 kmph and lightning were likely over parts of Hodal, Hathin, Nuh, Palwal, Ballabgarh, Sohna, Gurgaon, and Faridabad. Light rainfall was forecast across a wider region, including Firozpur Jhirka, Punahana, Taoru, Bawal, Rewari, Pataudi, Jhajjar, Bahadurgarh, Sonipat, and adjoining areas.
Meteorological Causes
The sudden change was triggered by an active western disturbance over Jammu and Kashmir, coupled with localised atmospheric instability and a cyclonic circulation over Haryana. These conditions are conducive to dust storms and convective activity during the pre-monsoon period. Despite the storm, daytime temperatures remained elevated. At the KVK station, the maximum temperature was 36.7 degrees Celsius, rising from 34.8 degrees Celsius the previous day. At NorthCap University, it reached 38.6 degrees Celsius, up from 37.5 degrees Celsius on Friday.
Temperature Records
The minimum temperature was recorded at 30 degrees Celsius, five notches above normal, making it the highest minimum in the state. At NorthCap University’s monitoring station, the minimum was 26.1 degrees Celsius, up from 23 degrees Celsius a day earlier. IMD said maximum temperatures are likely to rise by around 2 degrees Celsius over the next 48 hours, before dropping 3-4 degrees Celsius due to rainfall and thunderstorm activity.
Yellow Alert Issued
A yellow alert has been issued for the city over the next four days. IMD stated, “Light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and strong winds, is expected between May 3 and May 6. Rainfall is likely at isolated places on May 3 and 6, while intensity and spread are expected to increase on May 4 and 5, when many parts of the state, including Gurgaon, may receive light to moderate rain.”
Wind Speeds and Risks
Wind speeds are expected to pick up through this period. Gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are likely at isolated locations on May 2 and May 7, with stronger winds of 40-50 kmph expected between May 3 and May 6. On May 4 and 5, speeds could reach 50-60 kmph at isolated places, raising the risk of damage to temporary structures and uprooting of trees. Hailstorm activity has also been forecast at isolated locations on those two days.
