Sunday, May 25, 2025 19:00 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, May 25, 2025 02:01 [IST]
In recent years, April has witnessed an alarming rise in maximum temperatures. In 2025, this 'transition' month did heat up, but on the whole, it remained tolerable. The month of May has also been relatively mild. However, two days—17th May and 23rd May—experienced unusually intense winds and heavy downpours for this time of the year.
On 23rd May, a strong dust storm hit around 8 p.m., uprooting around 200 trees in the NCR alone, along with countless broken or fallen branches. Tragically, five adults and two children lost their lives. The maximum temperature on that day was 42.6°C, compared to 41°C on 17th May.
17 MAY DISTURBANCES
On 17th May, four people lost their lives and several others were injured when a sudden dust storm followed by heavy rainfall struck. This freak weather event also caused infrastructural damage. A section of the tin roof at the New Ashok Nagar Metro station was torn off due to the powerful winds. According to the Safdarjung Observatory, wind speeds reached 46 kmph, while Palam recorded 74 kmph.
A silver lining, however, was the drop in the National Capital's Air Quality Index. On 23rd May, it improved to the ‘moderate’ category with a reading of 157. Surprisingly, air operations remained normal; no flights were cancelled, although at least 300 were delayed, according to a flight tracking website.
SHARP FALL IN TEMPERATURE
There was also a significant drop in temperature on 23rd May. At Palam and Safdarjung weather stations, temperatures fell by 14°C and 10.7°C respectively.
When the storm subsided—recorded at a velocity of 80 kmph by the India Meteorological Department—power lines were preemptively shut down. While a standard safety measure, it caused considerable inconvenience to government employees returning home. Traffic was disrupted, and cyclists and pedestrians struggled through dust that covered faces, clothes, eyeglasses, and windscreens. Rain followed soon after and lasted for more than half an hour.
SQUALLS & HAILSTORMS
As if that wasn’t enough, squalls and hailstorms struck for 15–20 minutes. Roads saw fewer vehicles, and Metro services were either slowed or disrupted. There were also reports of wall collapses.
MOIST WINDS
According to the IMD, such storm activity aligns with long-term climatological patterns and was more frequent and intense this May. Increased moist wind days, carrying moisture from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal into northwest India, contributed to the storm surge. Heated landmasses further triggered thunderstorm formation.
SIGNS OF DEVASTATION
Returning home, one could see devastation everywhere—uprooted trees and plants, fallen branches, crushed vehicles, waterlogging, slush and garbage on footpaths, damaged roofs, broken water pipelines, and more.
FORECASTS OF IMD
If forecasting systems were foolproof and communication methods timely, many lives, livestock, and properties could be saved. However, electronic and social media often end up spreading confusion rather than clarity.
Though the IMD has issued multi-day forecasts on several occasions in 2024 and 2025, fluctuations in temperature and rainfall have persisted. When such inaccuracies recur, public trust in forecasts diminishes.
SIKKIM SITUATION
Turning to Sikkim, never before has there been such heavy snowfall in April and May. Snowfall persisted on the way to Nathula and Tsomgo right up to 23rd May. Most high-altitude tourist destinations in North Sikkim remain cut off or are still experiencing snowfall.
Additionally, heavy rain at the end of April and throughout the first twenty days of May has caused widespread damage: disrupted communication lines, choked drains, uprooted trees and lamp posts, landslides affecting villages and farmlands. Tourism has been hit hard, with many tourists stranded at various times.
LONG-TERM PLAN NEEDED FOR TOURISM
Given the adverse impact on the vibrant transport and tourism sector, the State Government must swiftly launch a long-term plan, ideally aligned with the 50th Anniversary of statehood. This could result in sustainable solutions. Immediate repair of rain-damaged roads and restoration of popular tourist sites around Gangtok should also be prioritized.
ACTION AT THE CUTTING EDGE HOLDS THE KEY
Needless to say, the Department of Land Revenue & Disaster Management must be better prepared and fully alert for emergencies, especially during off-season downpours or cloudburst events. Regular coordination with Gram and Nagar Panchayats and tour operators can go a long way. Much can be achieved if we act with commitment, integrity, and intent.
