National Capital Likely to See Thunderstorms and Light Rain from Friday While Odisha, Northeast and Central India Face Extremely Heavy Monsoon Showers

Delhi continued to experience hot and humid weather on Thursday as monsoon activity remained subdued over the national capital, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued widespread rainfall alerts for several eastern, northeastern and central states. According to the latest weather bulletin, Delhi is expected to witness partly cloudy skies, strong surface winds and temperatures hovering close to 39°C, with rainfall activity likely to increase over the next 24 to 48 hours.

In contrast, the monsoon has become highly active across eastern India, where Odisha is expected to receive extremely heavy rainfall, raising concerns over flash floods, waterlogging and disruptions to transport and normal life. Several other states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, are also expected to witness heavy to very heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.

The latest forecast reflects the uneven progression of this year's southwest monsoon, with some regions facing intense rainfall while others continue to grapple with prolonged heat and humidity.

Delhi Records Another Hot and Humid Day

Residents of the national capital woke up to warm and uncomfortable weather despite the ongoing monsoon season.

According to the IMD:

• Maximum Temperature: 37°C–39°C

• Minimum Temperature: 30.2°C

• Sky Condition: Partly cloudy

• Surface Winds: 20–30 kmph

Although cloud cover is expected during the day, high moisture levels in the atmosphere are likely to make outdoor conditions uncomfortable, especially during the afternoon.

Meteorologists have advised people to remain hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak daytime hours.

Rainfall Expected to Return Soon

While Thursday is expected to remain largely dry, the weather department has indicated that monsoon activity over Delhi-NCR is likely to strengthen from Friday onwards.

The forecast includes:

• Light rainfall.

• Thunderstorms.

• Lightning at isolated places.

• Temporary drop in daytime temperatures.

If rainfall becomes more widespread, humidity levels could ease gradually over the weekend, bringing some relief to residents.

Delhi's Air Quality Shows Slight Improvement

Despite the hot weather, Delhi's air quality remained in the Moderate category.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported:

• Overall AQI: 165

However, pollution levels continued to vary across different parts of the city.

For instance, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of around 350, placing it in the Very Poor category.

Environmental experts believe that sustained rainfall could significantly improve air quality by reducing dust and suspended particulate matter.

Odisha Braces for Extremely Heavy Rainfall

While Delhi waits for monsoon showers, Odisha has emerged as the state facing the highest rainfall risk.

The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall over several districts, increasing the likelihood of:

• Flash floods.

• Urban flooding.

• River overflow.

• Waterlogging.

• Traffic disruptions.

• Damage to standing crops.

Local authorities have been advised to remain on high alert, particularly in flood-prone and low-lying areas.

Heavy Rainfall Alert Across Multiple States

Apart from Odisha, several states are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours.

States Under Heavy Rain Alert

• Arunachal Pradesh

• Assam

• Meghalaya

• Bihar

• Jharkhand

• West Bengal

• Chhattisgarh

• Nagaland

• Manipur

• Mizoram

• Tripura

• Sikkim

• Uttarakhand

• Coastal Andhra Pradesh

Continuous rainfall in these regions may lead to localized flooding, transportation disruptions and landslide risks in hilly terrain.

Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds Expected

The IMD has also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds across several parts of the country.

Wind speeds between 40 kmph and 50 kmph are likely in:

• Andaman & Nicobar Islands

• Andhra Pradesh

• Eastern Uttar Pradesh

• West Bengal

• Jharkhand

• Madhya Pradesh

• Vidarbha

Meanwhile, Bihar, Karnataka and Telangana may experience winds of 30–40 kmph.

Residents have been advised to avoid open areas during thunderstorms and follow local weather advisories.

Heatwave Conditions Continue in Southern India

Even as many parts of the country receive heavy rainfall, isolated regions in southern India continue to experience heatwave conditions.

The IMD has warned that high temperatures are likely to persist over:

• Andhra Pradesh

• Tamil Nadu

• Puducherry

• Karaikal

These regions may continue to witness heat-related discomfort despite the progress of the southwest monsoon elsewhere.

Hot and Humid Conditions Extend Beyond Delhi

Apart from the national capital, several other regions are expected to experience similar weather conditions.

States likely to remain hot and humid include:

• Haryana

• Punjab

• Chandigarh

• Uttar Pradesh

• Telangana

• Coastal Karnataka

Meteorologists explain that cloud cover without significant rainfall often increases humidity, making temperatures feel much higher than actual readings.

Fishermen Advised to Stay Away from Sea

The weather department has issued a marine advisory for fishermen operating along India's western and eastern coastlines.

Strong winds of 45–55 kmph, with gusts reaching 65 kmph, are expected over parts of:

• Arabian Sea

• Bay of Bengal

Fishing activities have been discouraged until sea conditions improve.

Authorities have urged coastal communities to closely monitor official weather updates before venturing into the sea.

Monsoon's Uneven Progress Continues

This year's southwest monsoon continues to display uneven distribution across the country.

While eastern and northeastern India are receiving above-normal rainfall, several northern regions, including Delhi, have experienced intermittent dry spells.

Weather experts note that such variability has become increasingly common due to changing atmospheric circulation patterns and regional climatic influences.

The IMD will continue monitoring rainfall intensity and issuing district-level alerts as conditions evolve.

Impact on Agriculture and Daily Life

Heavy rainfall is expected to have mixed implications for different sectors.

Positive Impact

• Improved reservoir levels.

• Better water availability for agriculture.

• Support for Kharif crop sowing.

• Groundwater recharge.

Potential Challenges

• Flooding in urban areas.

• Crop damage due to excessive rainfall.

• Traffic congestion.

• Landslides in hilly regions.

• Disruptions to rail and road transport.

State governments have been advised to remain prepared for emergency response wherever heavy rainfall warnings have been issued.

Public Advisory

The IMD has urged citizens to take necessary precautions.

People are advised to:

• Stay hydrated in hot weather.

• Avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours.

• Follow official weather updates.

• Avoid flooded roads during heavy rain.

• Stay indoors during thunderstorms.

• Secure loose outdoor objects in areas expecting strong winds.

Timely adherence to weather advisories can help minimize risks associated with extreme weather events.

Outlook

India's weather pattern continues to reflect the dynamic nature of the southwest monsoon, with contrasting conditions prevailing across different regions. While Delhi and several northern states remain under the influence of hot and humid weather with only limited rainfall, eastern and northeastern India are preparing for intense monsoon activity that could bring flooding and widespread disruption.

Over the coming days, rainfall activity is expected to gradually increase over the northern plains, including the National Capital Region, potentially offering relief from persistent heat. However, regions under heavy rainfall warnings should remain vigilant as the active monsoon phase is likely to continue. With changing weather conditions influencing agriculture, transportation and public safety, close monitoring of official IMD forecasts will remain essential for both authorities and citizens alike.