New Delhi : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a major weather alert for many parts of the country. On May 14, 2025, a dust storm and heavy rain warning has been issued, in which strong winds of 50-70 km/h can wreak havoc. This alert has been issued specifically for Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and southern states. This seasonal change can have a huge impact on life, traffic and aviation. Let us take a detailed look at the facts, effects and precautions of this alert.
IMD alert: Where is the danger?
The India Meteorological Department warned in a press release on 13 May 2025 that many parts of the country will witness dust storms, thunderstorms and strong winds on 14 and 15 May. Specifically:
- Delhi-NCR: Orange alert issued, possibility of dust storm and rain with winds of 50-60 km/h.
- Rajasthan: Winds of 50-70 km/h and dust storm in eastern and western Rajasthan. Orange alert in areas like Ajmer, Alwar, Jaipur, and Sikar.
- South India: Heavy rain, thunderstorm and hailstorm alert in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka from 13 to 17 May.
- East India: Hailstorm and strong winds warning in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
- North India: Light to moderate rain and winds of 40-60 km/h in Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh.
According to the IMD, this seasonal change is due to a Western Disturbance and anti-cyclonic trough, which is moving from northwest India to the east.
Impact of previous storms
Dust storms and heavy rains have caused massive destruction in India in recent weeks:
- Delhi-NCR (May 2, 2025): Strong winds and rain killed four people, affected over 200 flights, and caused waterlogging in several areas. Traffic was disrupted in areas such as Minto Bridge and Dwarka.
- Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand (April 10, 2025): 102 people died, including 80 in Bihar, due to lightning and hailstorms.
- Gujarat: 14 people died in storm and rain-related incidents.
These incidents have highlighted the uncertainty of weather and its dangers.
Potential impacts and hazards
The IMD has warned that strong winds and dust storms may have the following impacts:
- Traffic and aviation: Flights at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport may be affected. On May 2, 200 flights were delayed and three flights were diverted to Ahmedabad and Jaipur.
- Waterlogging: Areas such as Minto Bridge, Lajpat Nagar, and Dwarka in Delhi may face waterlogging.
- Agriculture and property: Strong winds may uproot trees and damage crops.
- Human safety: Hailstorms and lightning pose a risk to people and animals. The IMD has advised to avoid being in the open.
Precautions and advisories
The IMD and local administration have advised the following precautions:
- Stay indoors, especially during morning and afternoon hours when the chances of thunderstorms are high.
- Do not take shelter under trees, as strong winds may knock down trees.
- Unplug electronic devices and stay away from electrically conducting objects.
- Check weather updates before traveling, especially for air travellers.
The Chief Minister of Delhi has deployed emergency teams to deal with waterlogging, and the Haryana government has put schools and municipalities on high alert.
Scientific reason for weather conditions
According to Dr. Soma Senroy, Senior Scientist at IMD, this dust storm is the result of strong winds combining with heat and dry soil in northwest India. Rainfall may be limited due to lack of moisture due to western disturbances, but dusty winds will dominate. Air quality may also be affected due to increased amount of PM10 particles in the air.
Conclusion
There is a threat of dust storms and heavy rains in many parts of India on 14 and 15 May 2025. Residents of Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, and South India need to take special precautions. Amid the IMD warning and preparations by the local administration, it is important that citizens keep an eye on weather updates and stay safe.
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