A massive dust storm spread across Agra on Wednesday evening forcing locals and tourists to dash for cover.
The dust storm began in the early evening hours and reduced on-road visibility leading to motorists slowing down and pedestrians taking shelter in buildings and under trees. Local reports suggest that tourists at the Taj Mahal were mostly caught unawares and had to rush for cover.
Several areas in north Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi have witnessed dust storms and/or slight rainfall in the last few evenings. In an advisory, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had said that thunderstorms with gusty winds are 'very likely' in parts of Himachal Pradesh, east Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand on Wednesday. It also said a similar weather pattern is likely to be witnessed in West Bengal, and in six of the seven northeastern states, except Mizoram.
