A dust storm is one of the most dramatic weather events seen during the Indian summer. It usually occur in north and western India. Strong winds lift huge amounts of dust and loose soil into the air, turning the sky yellow or brown and sharply reducing visibility within minutes.
These storms are most common between April and June, before the arrival of the southwest monsoon. States such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Delhi frequently witness dust storms during this period. They are often triggered by intense heat, dry land conditions and thunderstorm activity.
Dust storms form when powerful winds sweep across dry and barren surfaces. As temperatures rise, the ground becomes loose and dusty. Gusty winds then carry fine particles high into the atmosphere, sometimes transporting them across several states.
Apart from disrupting normal life, dust storms can also become dangerous. Poor visibility often leads to road accidents and flight disruptions. Falling trees, damaged power lines and collapsing weak structures are also common during severe storms.
Health experts warn that dust particles can trigger breathing problems, asthma attacks and eye irritation, especially among children, elderly people and those with respiratory illnesses.
Meteorologists say rising temperatures, shrinking green cover and changing climate patterns may be increasing the frequency and intensity of such storms. The India Meteorological Department regularly issues warnings and advisories.
On this Special Report, correspondent Ashraf Wani provides details on a massive snow avalanche that struck the Sonmarg tourist destination in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district. The chilling footage, caught on CCTV, shows a massive snow slide exhausting close to a hotel zone, which resulted in a significant snow dust cloud covering the area. Ashraf Wani noted, 'After the heavy snowfall, this is the time when these kinds of avalanches hit different areas in the Himalayan region, particularly in the hilly areas of Kashmir Valley.' He further explained that while the completion of the first phase of the Sonmarg tunnel has helped avoid some prone areas, several stretches near the Zojila pass remain active. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported following the incident. The programme highlights the ongoing risks in the Himalayan region during the winter season.
A massive dust storm, known as a “haboob,” swept across Arizona’s Pinal County on Monday, August 25, clogging skies and reducing visibility. The National Weather Service warned drivers to pull over if conditions worsened. Haboobs are common during the Southwest’s summer monsoon season, triggered when thunderstorm downdrafts lift loose desert sand into towering walls of dust that spread far beyond the storm itself.
A sudden storm hit Delhi NCR, causing widespread chaos and damage. The weather changed dramatically from 40°C to storm and rain within seconds. Massive traffic snarls, uprooted trees, and collapsed hoardings were reported. Metro operations were halted at some stations due to strong winds. The Met Department has issued a red alert for Delhi NCR, warning of further intense weather activity through the night.
A severe dust storm on 16 May 2025 shattered windows, collapsed doors, and ripped off AC units in Noida’s Jaypee Aman Society.
The owner of the hoarding that collapsed in Mumbai's Ghatkopar during the recent dust storm, was on Thursday arrested and brought back to the city by the police.
The tragic accident in Mumbai's Ghatkopar area, where a giant hoarding collapsed during a dust storm, claimed the lives of 14 people.
Days after a hoarding, which was erected illegally, collapsed due to gusty winds in Mumbai's Ghatkopar, the BJP alleged that the contract was illegally given when Uddhav Thackeray was chief minister of Maharashtra in 2021.
After 14 people were killed and several injured due to a big hoarding collapsed in the Ghatkopar area, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to pull down hoardings which are put up without permission in the city.
A stampede-like situation was seen at the Thane railway station in Maharashtra after a massive dust storm and rain caused a delay to the Mumbai local trains by half-an-hour.
A severe dust storm has struck Mumbai, leading to the collapse of a billboard in Ghatkopar. The tragic event has resulted in the loss of eight lives so far, with the death toll expected to rise.
Strong winds are expected to continue for a few hours.
The dusty shroud cast an orangey-brown filter over Athens.
The halo wasn't just a visual marvel; it held significant scientific value.
A dust storm has engulfed Delhi. Visibility was as low as 1000 metres. Every summer, dust from Rajasthan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan chokes Delhi. Why is it so much worse this year? Watch the video to find out.
