Imagine waking up to a city blanketed in dust, where the air feels thick and every breath is a challenge. That’s the reality for millions in Delhi today, May 15, 2025. A massive dust storm has swept through the capital, turning the sky hazy and pushing air quality to dangerous levels. If you’re wondering what’s going on, how bad it is, and , don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about how Thick Dust Covers New Delhi.

Why Thick Dust Covers New Delhi Today?

Today, each Delhiite has noticed thick dust covers New Delhi from the early morning, but how does it happen? A dust storm happens when strong winds scoop up loose dirt and sand from dry ground and fling it into the air. That’s exactly what’s hitting Delhi today. Hot temperatures and gusty winds have stirred up a gritty mess, cutting visibility and making the air tough to breathe. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) says winds are blowing at 15-25 kmph, with gusts up to 35 kmph, and they’re not letting up anytime soon. Add in scorching heat—temperatures are climbing to 40-42°C—and you’ve got the perfect recipe for this dusty chaos.

Here see how the different skies of New Delhi tell the actual story behind the storm that occurred on 15th May 2025. The same time on 14th May shows a clear sky, whereas a thick layer of dust is visible on 15th May at the same time. Similarly, the night situation also shows how clean the sky was on the night of 14th May. And on the night of 15th May, nothing is clearly visible due to a thick cover of dust.

Camera Location: Connaught Place, Delhi.

New Delhi air quality and sky on 14th and 15th may 2025

How Bad Is the Air After Thick Dust Covers New Delhi?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) tells us how clean or polluted the air is. Normally, anything below 50 is “good,” and above 300 is “very bad.” Today, Delhi’s air is way past that—it’s hazardous. Some areas are seeing AQI levels over 800, which is about as bad as it gets. Here’s a quick look at the numbers across the city:

  • Hazrat Nizamuddin: AQI 818
  • Anand Vihar: AQI 769
  • Lajpat Nagar: AQI 755
  • Dwarka Sector 10: AQI 735
  • Aerocity: AQI 679
  • Ashok Vihar Phase 3: AQI 558
  • Bawana Industrial Area: AQI 761
  • Connaught Place: AQI 564
Delhi AQI levels on 15th may 2025 after the dust storm

Note: These AQI readings are captured at 12:00 PM on 15th May 2025.

What do these numbers mean? The air is loaded with tiny particles called PM2.5 and bigger ones called PM10. In Hazrat Nizamuddin, for example, PM10 levels hit 583 µg/m³—that’s dust and dirt you’re breathing in. Anything over 150 µg/m³ is unhealthy, so this is a serious situation.

What’s the Weather Like This Week?

The IMD has given us a heads-up about what to expect in Delhi this week. It’s not just today’s dust storm—things could stay rough for a bit. Here’s the rundown:

  • Today (May 15): Partly cloudy, hot (40-42°C), with winds gusting to 35 kmph. Thunderstorms and even stronger winds (up to 70-80 kmph) might roll in later.
  • Next Few Days: More windy weather is on the cards, with chances of moderate to heavy rain. That could settle the dust, but until then, the air might stay murky.
  • Overall Trend: High temps and gusty winds will keep stirring things up unless rain comes to the rescue.

The good news? Stronger winds or rain could eventually clear some of this haze. The bad news? For now, we’re stuck with it.

How Does This Affect You?

Breathing this air isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s risky. Here’s what you might notice:

  • Right Away: Scratchy eyes, a sore throat, coughing, or trouble breathing. If you’ve got asthma, it could flare up fast.
  • Over Time: Keep breathing this stuff, and it could lead to lung issues, heart trouble, or worse—especially for kids, older folks, or anyone already sick.

The IMD and health experts agree: this isn’t a day to take chances. Everyone’s feeling it, but the vulnerable need extra care.

What Can You Do to Stay Safe When Thick Dust Covers New Delhi?

Don’t panic—there are simple steps to protect yourself. Here’s your game plan:

  • Stay Inside: Keep doors and windows shut. The less dust you let in, the better.
  • Clean the Air: Got an air purifier? Turn it on. It can trap those nasty particles.
  • Mask Up: Need to step out? Wear an N95 mask—it’s your best shield against PM2.5 and PM10.
  • Drink Water: With temps hitting 42°C, staying hydrated is a must.
  • Take It Easy: Skip the workout today. Heavy breathing pulls in more dirty air.

Little things—like keeping wet cloths over vents or checking air quality updates online—can make a big difference too.

What’s Coming Next?

The IMD says thunderstorms and winds up to 70-80 kmph could hit later today. Rain might wash some dust away, but it’s not a sure thing yet. Visibility’s already down—earlier today, it dropped to 1,200 meters at the airport—so driving or walking around isn’t fun either. The hope is that stronger winds or rain will sweep this mess out of Delhi soon. Until then, hunker down and stay cautious.

Why Should We Care About Thick Dust Covering New Delhi?

This isn’t just a one-day annoyance. Delhi’s air has been a problem for years, and days like this make it impossible to ignore. Doctors say breathing hazardous air too long can mess with your health for good—think asthma, bronchitis, or even heart attacks down the line. It’s a wake-up call: we need cleaner air, and fast.

Your Takeaway

Delhi’s dust storm on May 15, 2025, is rough, but you’ve got the info to handle it. The air’s toxic, the heat’s brutal, and the winds won’t quit—but you can stay safe by sticking indoors, masking up, and keeping cool. Watch for updates from the IMD, because rain might be our ticket out of this mess. For now, take care of yourself and your loved ones. This too shall pass—but let’s hope the air gets better for good.

Stay safe, Delhi!