Delhi is likely to remain cloudy with light rainfall on Tuesday, while Jharkhand faces a red alert for heavy to very heavy rain; IMD also warns of thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds across several parts of India
Delhi is expected to witness generally cloudy skies and light rainfall on Tuesday as the southwest monsoon remains active across several parts of the country. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), very light to light rain is likely at a few places in the national Capital from morning to afternoon.
The minimum temperature in Delhi is expected to remain between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature is likely to settle between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius.
While the city-specific forecast indicates mostly light rainfall, the IMD's latest All India Weather Forecast has also warned of heavy rainfall at isolated places over Delhi on August 18. This suggests that rainfall could remain highly localised, with some parts of the Capital receiving only brief light showers while isolated areas may experience more intense rainfall.
The weather office has also forecast light to moderate rainfall in parts of Delhi on August 19 and 20, indicating that unsettled weather conditions are likely to continue.
Delhi Weather Forecast for Tuesday
Delhi is likely to remain generally cloudy throughout Tuesday, with the possibility of light rainfall at some locations.
The expected temperature range is:
- Minimum temperature: 23-25°C
- Maximum temperature: 32-34°C
- Sky: Generally cloudy
- Rain: Very light to light rain at a few places
- Possibility: Isolated heavy rainfall
The combination of cloud cover and moisture is expected to keep temperatures relatively moderate, although high humidity could continue to make conditions uncomfortable.
Humidity Remains High in Delhi
During the previous 24 hours, relative humidity in Delhi ranged between 58 per cent and 84 per cent.
The elevated humidity has contributed to hot and humid conditions despite the cloud cover and rainfall.
The IMD said there was no significant change in either the minimum or maximum temperature during the period.
With temperatures expected to remain in the low-to-mid 30s, rainfall may provide temporary relief from heat, but the high moisture levels could continue to make the weather feel warmer and more uncomfortable.
Light to Moderate Rain Likely on August 19 and 20
The unsettled weather is expected to continue beyond Tuesday.
The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall in parts of Delhi on August 19 and 20.
This means residents could continue to experience intermittent showers over the next few days, although rainfall intensity may vary significantly from one locality to another.
The possibility of isolated heavy rainfall means residents should remain prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions.
Why Delhi Could See Localised Heavy Rain
The difference between the city-specific forecast of light rain and the wider heavy-rain warning does not necessarily indicate a contradiction.
Rainfall during active monsoon conditions can be highly localised.
While one part of Delhi may receive only a brief shower, another area can experience a much heavier spell because of the development of stronger rain-bearing clouds.
This can lead to temporary waterlogging and traffic disruptions even when overall rainfall across the city remains moderate.
Jharkhand Under Red Alert for Heavy Rain
The most significant weather warning on Tuesday is for Jharkhand, where the IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall, with the possibility of isolated extremely heavy rainfall.
A red alert indicates the potential for significant weather impacts and requires heightened preparedness by authorities and residents.
Heavy rainfall over a short period can increase the risk of waterlogging, flash flooding, disruption to transportation and damage to vulnerable infrastructure.
Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas are likely to remain particularly vulnerable during intense rainfall.
Heavy Rain Expected in Bihar and Central India
The IMD has also forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and western Uttar Pradesh.
These areas could experience intense rainfall even if surrounding districts receive comparatively less precipitation.
Authorities in vulnerable areas may need to monitor water levels, drainage systems and road conditions as the monsoon system remains active.
Heavy Rain Warning Issued for Several Other States
The weather office has issued heavy-rain warnings covering a wide geographical area.
Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places over:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Assam and Meghalaya
- East Uttar Pradesh
- Haryana
- Chandigarh
- Delhi
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Ladakh
- Kerala
- Nagaland
- Manipur
- Mizoram and Tripura
- Punjab
- Tamil Nadu
- Uttarakhand
- West Bengal
- Sikkim
The widespread nature of the forecast indicates continued monsoon activity across northern, eastern, northeastern and southern parts of India.
Thunderstorms and Lightning Also Expected
The IMD has warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds across several regions.
Thunderstorms can develop rapidly and may result in sudden changes in wind speed, rainfall intensity and visibility.
Residents should exercise caution during lightning activity and avoid exposed outdoor locations when thunderstorms become intense.
Strong Winds Forecast in Parts of India
Strong winds are also expected in some regions.
The IMD has forecast winds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, at isolated places over Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, north interior Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Such winds could affect road travel, outdoor structures and local infrastructure, particularly when accompanied by thunderstorms.
Temporary structures, billboards and other unsecured objects could be vulnerable during periods of strong winds.
Squally Weather Over Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal
The weather system is also expected to affect marine conditions.
The IMD has forecast squally weather over parts of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, with winds reaching 45-55 kmph and gusting up to 65 kmph in some areas.
Such conditions could create difficult conditions for fishing boats and other marine activities.
People involved in maritime operations are expected to follow official weather warnings and local advisories.
Active Monsoon Keeps Rainfall Widespread
The latest forecast comes as the southwest monsoon remains active across several parts of India.
Monsoon rainfall is important for agriculture, reservoirs and water availability, but intense rainfall can also create short-term disruptions.
Heavy rain concentrated over a short period can overwhelm drainage systems and cause urban flooding.
In hilly regions, intense rainfall can increase the possibility of landslides and road blockages.
Delhi Traffic May Be Affected by Sudden Showers
For Delhi residents, the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall remains an important concern for daily commuting.
Even relatively short spells of intense rain can result in water accumulation on roads, particularly in low-lying areas and underpasses.
Traffic movement could slow down if heavy showers coincide with peak commuting hours.
Motorists may also face reduced visibility during intense rainfall.
Rain May Offer Temporary Relief From Heat
The cloud cover and rainfall could provide some relief from daytime heat in Delhi.
However, the maximum temperature is still expected to remain between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius.
The high humidity could offset some of the cooling effect of rain and leave the weather feeling sticky.
Residents may therefore experience a combination of moderate temperatures, cloud cover and high humidity rather than a major change to the overall summer-like conditions.
Northern India Remains Under Weather Watch
Several northern states are also expected to receive rainfall.
Heavy rainfall is possible at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
The situation requires additional attention in mountainous regions because intense rainfall can trigger landslides, flash floods and disruptions to road connectivity.
Travellers heading towards hill stations and mountainous areas should remain alert to local weather advisories.
Eastern India Faces Significant Rainfall Activity
Eastern and central India remain among the areas facing the strongest rainfall activity.
Jharkhand's red alert is particularly significant because extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations could result in rapid water accumulation and flooding.
Bihar and Odisha are also expected to receive heavy rainfall at isolated places.
Agricultural activity, road transportation and local infrastructure could be affected if rainfall becomes prolonged or intense.
Southern States Also Face Rain and Strong Winds
Parts of southern India are also under weather warnings.
Heavy rainfall is possible in parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, while thunderstorms and strong winds could affect some areas of Andhra Pradesh and north interior Karnataka.
Tamil Nadu could also experience gusty winds in association with thunderstorms.
Residents should remain cautious around trees, electricity infrastructure and temporary structures during periods of strong winds.
Impact on Agriculture and Water Resources
The continuing monsoon activity could provide beneficial rainfall for agricultural regions, particularly where rainfall deficits have persisted.
Adequate monsoon rainfall supports crop growth and helps replenish reservoirs and groundwater resources.
However, excessive rainfall over a short period can also damage standing crops, erode soil and create waterlogging in agricultural fields.
The impact will therefore depend on the intensity, duration and distribution of rainfall across individual districts.
Flood and Waterlogging Risk Remains a Concern
The main immediate concern from intense monsoon rainfall is the possibility of flooding and waterlogging.
Urban areas with inadequate drainage can experience rapid water accumulation even during relatively short periods of heavy rain.
Rural and riverine areas can also face rising water levels if heavy rainfall continues across upstream catchment areas.
Residents in vulnerable locations should monitor local advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall.
Travel Conditions Could Become Difficult
Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds could affect road and air travel in some areas.
Reduced visibility can make driving conditions more difficult, while waterlogging can slow traffic.
In hilly areas, landslides and falling debris could temporarily affect roads.
Passengers and travellers should therefore allow additional time and check local weather conditions before starting journeys in areas under heavy-rain warnings.
Key Weather Alerts at a Glance
Delhi: Generally cloudy with very light to light rain; isolated heavy rainfall possible.
Delhi temperature: Minimum 23-25°C and maximum 32-34°C.
Jharkhand: Heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated extremely heavy rainfall; red alert issued.
Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and western Uttar Pradesh: Heavy to very heavy rainfall possible at isolated places.
Other regions: Heavy rainfall warnings issued for parts of northern, northeastern and southern India.
Thunderstorms: Lightning and gusty winds possible in several areas.
Strong winds: 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, possible at isolated places over Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, north interior Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal: Squally weather with winds reaching 45-55 kmph and gusting up to 65 kmph in some areas.
What Delhi Residents Should Expect Today
Delhi's weather is likely to remain mostly cloudy with intermittent light rain.
However, the possibility of isolated heavy showers means residents should remain prepared for sudden changes in rainfall intensity.
The combination of rainfall and humidity could keep conditions uncomfortable despite moderate temperatures.
Commuters should remain cautious if heavy rain develops during peak traffic hours, particularly around waterlogging-prone roads and underpasses.
What Residents in Red Alert Areas Should Do
People living in Jharkhand and other areas facing heavy to very heavy rainfall warnings should remain particularly alert.
Residents in low-lying areas should monitor local advisories and be prepared for temporary disruption if rainfall becomes intense.
People should avoid unnecessary travel during extreme weather and exercise caution around flooded roads, rivers and drainage channels.
Monsoon Outlook for the Next Few Days
The weather pattern suggests that monsoon activity will remain significant across several parts of India.
Delhi is expected to see light to moderate rainfall continuing into August 19 and 20, while several eastern, central, northern and northeastern states remain under heavy-rain warnings.
The distribution of rainfall is likely to remain uneven, with some areas receiving moderate showers and isolated locations experiencing much heavier rainfall.
Conclusion
Delhi is likely to experience generally cloudy skies and light rainfall on Tuesday, with temperatures expected to remain between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius at night and 32 and 34 degrees Celsius during the day.
The IMD has also warned that isolated parts of the Capital could receive heavy rainfall, highlighting the possibility of localised intense showers despite the overall light-rain forecast.
The larger weather picture remains more active, with Jharkhand under a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall and isolated extremely heavy rainfall. Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and western Uttar Pradesh are also expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places.
Thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds could affect several other states, while squally weather is expected over parts of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
For Delhi, the immediate outlook is one of cloudy and humid conditions with intermittent rainfall, while the wider monsoon situation calls for increased caution in areas facing heavy-rain and extreme-weather warnings. Residents should continue to monitor IMD and local authority advisories as rainfall intensity can change rapidly during active monsoon conditions.