Why Is Delhi-NCR Being Hit By Back-To-Back Dust Storms?

Delhi-NCR has been witnessing frequent dust storms for a couple of weeks. A massive dust storm was reported in mid-April that led to flight diversions.

Many trees were uprooted, shops were destroyed in Saturday's dust storm.

Source : PTI

A massive dust storm caused a series of destruction in Delhi and neighbouring Noida on Saturday. Many trees were uprooted, shops were destroyed, and windows and doors in apartments were blown away. The roof of the New Ashok Nagar rapid rail metro station in Delhi was also blown away.

Delhi-NCR has been witnessing frequent dust storms for a couple of weeks. A similar storm hit the region on Friday. 
A massive dust storm was reported in mid-April that led to flight diversions as the city remained under red alert. On May 2, a strong storm uprooted several trees in the region and caused severe damage. Strong surface winds had contributed to the event.

But what is causing these strong storms in Delhi-NCR? As per the India Meteorological Department, these events are primarily due to strong, dust-laden winds originating from western Rajasthan and northern Pakistan. These winds, driven by a significant north-south pressure gradient over northwest India, have been transporting dust particles across Punjab and Haryana into the Delhi region. 

Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology highlighted that these dust storms are part of a seasonal weather pattern, common during the pre-monsoon period. The combination of high temperatures, dry conditions, and strong surface winds contributes to the frequency and intensity of these dust events.

"Dust storms are common before the onset of monsoon in north India. This is a natural source of air pollution, so we cannot avoid elevated pollution levels. We only need to protect ourselves from exposure," The Economic Times quoted Abhishek Kar, senior programme lead at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).

Monsoon In Kerala

The southwest monsoon is likely to hit Kerala on May 27, marking an early arrival by five days from its usual onset date of June 1. Monsoon is likely to arrive in Mumbai and Kolkata between June 10 and 15. In Hyderabad, the monsoon is set to make its appearance a little earlier, between June 5 and 10. Bengaluru and Chennai can anticipate their first spell of monsoon showers between June 1 and 5.

Delhi-NCR is likely to witness the monsoon rains between June 25 and 30.