Tuesday, May 9 2006 12:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Strong duststorms lashed the national capital in the early hours of today (May 9, 2006), bringing down the night temperature by several degrees.

Northerly winds gusting at an estimated 53 kmph lashed the city for nearly an hour after 2:15 am, the Meteorological Department said here.

The winds brought down mercury in its wake as the maximum temperature dipped from 31.5 degrees Celsius to 27.5 degrees Celsius within an hour, they added.

Weather office said the unexpected winds were due to an upper air cyclonic circulation prevailing over Haryana, Punjab and neighbourhood.