Delhi Weather Alert: Two Days of Dusty Winds

KKN Gurugram Desk | Delhi and the wider NCR region are bracing for two days of dusty winds and intense heat, followed by a return of scattered cloud cover and Indian monsoon hints. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a dust storm advisory for June 9–10, warning of temperatures soaring to 41–43 °C, with northwest winds at 20–30 kmph. Though no widespread rain is expected initially, isolated thunderstorms may follow midweek, slightly easing the heat.

 Dusty Winds & Rising Temperatures (June 9–10)

• IMD Outlook: Predominantly clear skies with dust-raising winds (20–30 kmph) in Delhi, with similar forecasts across NCR—including Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Meerut .

• Temperature Range:

  • June 9: High of 109°F (43 °C), Low 88°F (31 °C) .

  • June 10: High 109°F (43 °C), Low 87–88°F (30–31 °C) .

• Health Impact: Such hot and humid conditions elevate risks of dehydration and heatstroke, particularly among vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and outdoor workers .

 Midweek Outlook: Cloud Cover & Light Thunderstorms

• June 11–12: While winds remain moderate, partly cloudy skies are likely, with a chance of light thunderstorms and patchy rain in the evening .

• Wind Gust Patterns: Festive with gusts reaching up to 50–60 kmph during storms, followed by cooler night air.

• Temperature: Maximums to remain high (41–44 °C) but gradually descend to typical pre-monsoon June values (around 40 °C).

 Flyaway Dust Storm Impact & Air Quality Warnings

• GRAP Stage I Alert: Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is hovering in the “poor” category (~209), prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to activate Stage I of the GRAP action plan. Measures include anti-smog equipment, PUC checks, generator restrictions, and water sprinkling on roads .

• Visibility & Health: Dust storms scheduled for June 9–10 may erode visibility and trigger respiratory issues. Residents with breathing problems are advised to remain indoors and use air purifiers or masks.

• Ozone and PM2.5 Levels: With rainless days and high ozone, Delhi is experiencing high ground-level pollution. Moderate wind speeds at 20–30 kmph may aid dispersion somewhat, but overall AQI is expected to stay poor .

 Extended Outlook: Continuing Heat & Pre-Monsoon Dynamics

• June 11–14: Expect sustained high temperatures (40–42 °C), occasional hazy sunshine, and intermittent cloud cover .

• June 15–19: Anticipated high 38–40 °C in Delhi, following trend set in June 2025 .

Climate Context: Loo Winds & Pre-Monsoon Season

• “Loo” Winds: Delhi’s notorious hot, dry dust-laden winds known locally as “loo” persist during May–June. These winds can cause temperatures to spike to 45–50 °C and often accompany pre-monsoon kali-andhi (dust storms).

• Monsoon Arrival: Rain-free warming signals intensifying until the southwest monsoon establishes later this month. June begins with 17 mm rainfall but needs about 80 mm monthly average .

 Regional Patterns & Broader Trends

• Northwest India: Similar weather patterns expected—wind speeds 40–50 kmph with isolated storms across Haryana, Punjab, West Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan .

• Pre-Monsoon Storms: Frequent in May–June; these may intensify into thunder squalls during afternoons/evenings .

• IMD Alerts: Similar storm/dust forecasts were issued earlier, including the weekend of June 2–4, and more rainy spells tracked across the Northern Plains .

 So What Delhiites Should Do: Tips & Precautions

Delhi is set for an intense pre-monsoon spell: two days of dust storms and soaring heat, followed by cloud cover and the first hints of rain mid-week. Residents should prepare for variable air quality, protect themselves during peak heat, and watch for evening storms to break the pattern of clear skies.