New Delhi:
Dust storm coupled with bouts of rain hit the national capital in the afternoon bringing relief to Delhiites who have been reeling under sweltering conditions.
"An 80-km per hour wind started at 4.15 pm and brought with it a lot of dust. Visibility dropped to 500 metres at Indira Gandhi International Airport," said Rajendra Jenamani, India Meteorological Department director or IGIA.
The dust storm was an outcome of extremely hot conditions which had pushed the mercury up to 43 degrees Celsius, yesterday, said the official.
"When it gets too hot, a vacuum is created which results in a strong wind blowing in. Such strong winds that blow in dust are normal in northwestern India," he said.
The city also witnessed light rain which cooled the temperature.
Delhi has been witnessing extremely hot heat conditions since the last few days with the maximum temperature hovering above 40 degree Celsius.
Meanwhile, the minimum today was recorded at 28.5 degrees, three notches above normal.