Weather Swings Grip India as Delhi Gets Dust Storm, Kerala and North Bengal Brace for Heavy Rain

Weather conditions changed dramatically across several parts of India on Sunday, with Delhi-NCR witnessing a sudden dust storm and rainfall after days of intense heat, while Kerala and parts of North Bengal continued to battle heavy monsoon showers.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a nowcast warning at around 3:30 pm, predicting thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall across Delhi-NCR within the next two hours. Strong winds with speeds ranging between 40 and 60 kmph were also forecast. Later, at around 4:10 pm, the IMD issued an Orange Alert for several parts of the national capital as dark clouds covered the sky and rain lashed many areas.

According to the IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue over Northeast India and the Sub-Himalayan region of West Bengal for the next five days. Several parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan adjoining Delhi-NCR were also expected to receive light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

Meteorologists attributed Delhi’s sudden weather change to the interaction of extremely hot surface temperatures with moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, along with the influence of a western disturbance. These conditions led to the formation of towering cumulonimbus clouds, triggering intense thunderstorms and rainfall.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon has intensified over Kerala, where widespread rainfall continued throughout Sunday. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued Orange Alerts for six districts—Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod—warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Authorities have cautioned residents about the possibility of landslides, flash floods and overflowing rivers, advising those living in vulnerable areas to remain alert and move to safer locations if necessary. Emergency helpline numbers 1077 and 1070 have been activated to assist people during any weather-related emergencies.

With the monsoon becoming increasingly active, authorities across affected states have urged residents to follow weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall.