Delhi-NCR Weather Update: Dust Storms and Rain Bring Relief from Heatwave

Delhi-NCR has recently undergone a significant weather transformation, with intense dust storms followed by rainfall providing a much-needed break from the oppressive heatwave that saw temperatures rise to 44.5 degrees Celsius. This sudden change, triggered by western disturbances, has led to a drop in temperatures and is expected to continue affecting the region. While the rain offers temporary relief, air quality remains a concern, categorized as 'poor.' Meteorological officials explain that such fluctuations are common during this pre-monsoon period. Discover more about the weather conditions and their implications in the full article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 29, 2026, 12:23 IST

Weather Transformation in Delhi-NCR

Representational Image

New Delhi, April 29: On Wednesday morning, the Delhi-NCR region witnessed a dramatic shift in weather as intense dust storms were succeeded by rainfall, providing much-needed respite from a severe heatwave that had seen temperatures soar to 44.5 degrees Celsius earlier this week.

As dark clouds enveloped the area, rain and storm activity commenced in the early hours, instigated by western disturbances that caused rapid atmospheric changes, leading to a significant drop in temperatures within just an hour. This change occurred while Delhi was already under a 'yellow alert' due to heatwave conditions.

The maximum temperature, initially projected to reach around 41 degrees Celsius, is now expected to settle near 38 degrees Celsius following the rainfall, according to the latest weather reports.

The Regional Weather Forecast Centre (RWFC) in New Delhi has predicted light to moderate rain, along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds ranging from 30 to 40 km/h across Delhi and the National Capital Region during the morning hours. Similar weather patterns are anticipated in several adjacent areas, including parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

The RWFC's forecast covers regions such as Sonipat, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Rewari, Palwal, Nuh, Bhiwani, Panipat, Hisar (Haryana), Baraut, Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Khurja (Uttar Pradesh), and Alwar, Kotputli, and surrounding areas in Rajasthan, which are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms.

Additionally, light rain is also expected in other regions, including Jind, Gohana, Safidon, Hansi, Tosham, and Shamli, as weather systems remain active across northwestern India.

While this sudden weather change offered temporary relief from the extreme heat, it also resulted in dust-laden winds and brief visibility disruptions in various areas during the morning.

Meanwhile, the air quality in the national capital continued to be categorized as 'poor.' Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicated an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 260, reflecting ongoing pollution levels despite the rainfall.

Meteorological experts noted that such pre-monsoon weather variations are typical during this season, as western disturbances interact with rising surface temperatures, often leading to thunderstorms, dust storms, and short rain spells across northern India.