Severe dust storm followed by rain hits several parts of Northern India

A severe dust storm followed by rain hit several parts of Northern India last evening.

National Capital region witnessed a dust storm with a wind speed of up to 40 km/ph. Commuters were stranded at many places because of the strong winds and low visibility. The adverse weather also caused the diversion of three flights.

It brought the maximum temperature down to 35 degree Celsius from 42 degrees in the national capital.

The weatherman has forecast another dust storm in the city today.

In Chandigarh and adjoining areas, there were reports of uprooting of trees, power supply disruption and breaking of windowpanes due



to high velocity winds and rain.

In Himachal Pradesh, strong winds uprooted trees, blew off roofs of some of the houses and disrupted power supply in Shimla town and its adjoining areas.

However, forest fires in Chama, Kangra and Shimla could be brought under control because of rains. Indian Air Force choppers that were pressed into service to douse the fire were called off following the rains.

In Uttar Pradesh, light to moderate rain and thunderstorm occurred at isolated places. MeT office has predicted thunderstorm or dust storm accompanied with gusty winds at isolated places in the state today