Haze over Chandigarh as seen on Thursday afternoon (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Parts of northern India, including Punjab and Delhi-NCR, have been reeling under a heavy blanket of dust which has settled over the area. The dust cover, caused by dust storms in the western state of Rajasthan, prompted the government to halt all construction work in the national capital till Sunday.
The dusty conditions have been active since Wednesday, and the government has advised people to remain indoors. The dust cover has affected visibility as well, affecting flight operations. All flights to and from the Chandigarh airport were cancelled till Thursday afternoon due to reduced visibility. The Indian Meteorological Office (IMD), meanwhile has said that a slight chance of rain on Sunday is the only relief Delhi can hope for in the coming days. The Met office also said that the weather is expected to be slightly better on Friday with a slowing of wind speed.
Hello. Welcome to our LIVE Blog. The weather conditions continue to deteriorate in Delhi and adjoining areas as well as parts of northern India as a coat of dust sits on the Delhi sky. Follow this blog for latest updates on the weather.