New Delhi was rocked by a powerful thunderstorm on a Friday evening, bringing with it winds reaching 84 kmph that churned up dust, wreaking havoc on the city’s traffic, flight operations, and power supply. This unexpected weather event not only disrupted the daily lives of Delhiites but also brought a sudden drop in temperature of around eight degrees, offering a much-needed respite from the stifling heat and humidity that had been lingering in the air.
Chaos on the Roads and in the Skies
The impact of the thunderstorm was felt across the city, with 35 Delhi-bound flights being diverted and over 100 flights facing delays as air traffic control had to suspend operations for nearly half an hour. Motorists were also left stranded as fallen trees blocked major roads like Mathura Road, Lodhi Road, Janakpuri, Okhla, Najafgarh, and Dwarka, causing traffic snarls and damaging vehicles in their wake. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) received numerous complaints about trees and branches that had been uprooted or knocked down by the squall, leaving a trail of debris and chaos in its path.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the wind speeds during the storm reached as high as 84 kmph in southwest Delhi, 74 kmph at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, and 70 kmph at Pragati Maidan. The weather stations also recorded rainfall in various parts of the city, with Narela receiving 5mm and Pitampura receiving 2.5mm of rain. The sudden change in weather brought the maximum temperature down by over four degrees Celsius, offering a brief reprieve from the scorching heat that had been bearing down on the city.
Unraveling the Science Behind the Storm
Weather experts attributed the thunderstorm and strong winds to a western disturbance that caused moist winds to collide with dry winds, creating the perfect conditions for a powerful storm to brew. The sudden drop in temperature and the dust-raising winds were a direct result of this atmospheric phenomenon, which spanned across Rajasthan, Haryana, and finally hit Delhi. However, the experts reassured that the storm was a one-off event and that the weather conditions were expected to stabilize in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the thunderstorm also led to power disruptions in some areas, as falling trees and branches damaged electricity cables, causing localized outages in parts of north Delhi. Power distribution companies like BSES and Tata Power-DDL were quick to respond to the situation, dispatching emergency teams to restore electricity and ensure the safety of residents. In a particularly dramatic incident, a gantry collapsed on the Dwarka Expressway in Gurgaon, narrowly missing a passing vehicle but causing significant traffic disruptions. Fortunately, there were no major injuries reported, and traffic was soon restored to normal.
As the city slowly recovered from the aftermath of the thunderstorm, it was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and the resilience of its residents in the face of adversity. While the storm may have caused temporary chaos and inconvenience, it also served as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and community spirit in times of crisis. And as Delhiites braced themselves for the next weather event, they did so with a newfound sense of unity and determination to weather the storm, no matter how strong it may be.
