Dust storm with thunderstorm activities brought much needed respite for Delhiites, with this maximum temperature brought down to 41.6 degree Celsius at Safdarjung observatory on Wednesday though air quality recorded poor due to localised dust lifting. Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) also interrupted as nine domestic flights diverted till 18;30 hrs.
According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a dust storm hit several parts of the national capital. Importantly, from past few days, the national capital was reeling under the severe to high severe heat wave. On Monday, the maximum temperature broke all the historic records as maximum temperature was settled at 48 degree Celsius.
Private weather forecaster Skymet Weather said parts of Delhi and NCR could also see heavy showers. The Palam observatory recorded a high of 43.4 degrees Celsius and a low of 32.4 degrees.
With dust in Delhi air, the primary pollutant Particulate Matter (PM) 10 recorded 200 Micro Cubic per gram. “Co-efficient and settling of coarser dust particles as expected, SAFAR updated its report.
SAFAR mentioned about the movement of dust storm. “Dust storm from Afghanistan and Pakistan is presently located in north west Arabian sea and Pakistan due to the development of severe cyclonic storm Vayu which is pulling air mass from that region, the trajectory of dust plume is modified,” SAFAR explained with graphical representation.
“Delhi is likely to be out of heavy air quality episode but AQI will remain poor categorically for next two days. Western disturbances with thunderstorm is looming large. Gusty winds may further lead to local dust lifting if local heat wave condition continue to prevail resulting in increasing levels of coarser particles PM10,” SAFAR highlighted air quality forecast for Delhi.
Meanwhile, Regional Weather Department (Delhi Wing ) forecast weekly weather report . As per the update , Delhi will witness rain on 16, 17 and 18 June while thunderstorm and strong surface wind activities will occur on June 14 and 15.
With these activities in Delhi , the maximum temperature may oscillate between 39 degree Celsius and 43 degree Celsius, the good news for Delhi people is days of heat wave over.
The minimum temperature will fluctuate between 28 degree Celsius and 31 degree Celsius throughout the week!
