Cloudy Skies and Thunderstorms Expected in the National Capital

Delhi residents experienced pleasant weather on Thursday morning as the national capital remained under cloudy conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light rain or drizzle in parts of Delhi, along with the possibility of thunderstorms.

The weather department has predicted a minimum temperature of 25 degrees Celsius and a maximum temperature of 34 degrees Celsius for the city. The forecast indicates a temporary relief from the recent heat, although humid conditions may continue in several areas.

The IMD has also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds in isolated parts of Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh. Wind speeds may reach 40–50 kmph, with gusts touching 60 kmph in some locations.

Delhi Temperature Remains Above Normal

Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 36.8 degrees Celsius on September 16, which was around three degrees above normal. The minimum temperature stood at 26.8 degrees Celsius, approximately 1.7 degrees above the seasonal average.

The city did not receive rainfall during the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 AM on September 17. Despite the absence of rain, increased cloud cover and a possibility of light showers may bring a short-term improvement in weather conditions.

The IMD expects Delhi’s weather to become relatively drier after Thursday. Partly cloudy skies are likely on September 18 and 19, while the maximum temperature may remain in the range of 33–34 degrees Celsius.

Monsoon Withdrawal Likely Around September 19

The latest weather forecast comes as the southwest monsoon enters its withdrawal phase. The IMD has indicated that monsoon withdrawal from northwest India may begin around September 19.

However, the beginning of withdrawal does not mean that rainfall will stop immediately across northern India. The weather department has forecast fairly widespread rainfall over Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Punjab until September 18.

Parts of Rajasthan may also receive rainfall during this period. Weather conditions are likely to remain influenced by local moisture, wind patterns and the movement of weather systems across northern India.

Heavy Rainfall Alert in Several States

The IMD’s national bulletin has forecast heavy rainfall at isolated places over several parts of the country.

The areas that may receive heavy rainfall include:

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands

• Arunachal Pradesh

• Assam and Meghalaya

• Bihar

• Kerala

• Karnataka

• Goa

• Parts of West Bengal and Sikkim

• Tamil Nadu

Bihar and Jharkhand remain among the regions requiring close attention as thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rainfall may affect isolated locations. Local authorities and residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert to sudden weather changes.

Thunderstorm and Lightning Warning

Thunderstorms with lightning are likely at isolated places across a broad belt of the country. The warning covers parts of northeast India, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Uttarakhand and West Rajasthan.

Lightning activity can increase risks for people outdoors, particularly in open fields, construction sites and exposed areas. Residents are advised to avoid standing under isolated trees, near water bodies or in open spaces during thunderstorms.

Strong Winds Over Southern and Coastal Regions

The IMD has also forecast strong surface winds at isolated places over Andhra Pradesh and interior Karnataka.

Squally weather conditions are likely over parts of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Wind speeds may reach 55–65 kmph in some areas, creating challenging conditions for fishing activity, coastal travel and marine operations.

Fishermen and marine operators are advised to follow official weather warnings and avoid venturing into affected areas during periods of rough conditions.

Impact on Daily Life and Transport

Light rain in Delhi may temporarily improve air quality and reduce daytime heat, but thunderstorms and gusty winds could also disrupt traffic and outdoor activities.

Waterlogging may occur in low-lying areas if rainfall becomes intense over a short period. Commuters should remain prepared for slower traffic, reduced visibility and possible disruptions during thunderstorms.

In Bihar, Jharkhand and other areas under heavy-rainfall warnings, residents should remain alert to waterlogging, local flooding, lightning and sudden wind-related damage.

Weather Outlook

The weather pattern across northern and eastern India is expected to remain mixed over the next few days. Delhi may receive light rain and thunderstorms on Thursday before conditions turn partly cloudy and relatively drier.

The approaching monsoon withdrawal phase could gradually reduce widespread rainfall over northwest India, but isolated showers and thunderstorms may continue. Heavy rainfall alerts in Bihar, Jharkhand and other states indicate that the monsoon remains active in several parts of the country.

Residents should continue monitoring local IMD updates, particularly in areas covered by lightning, gusty-wind and heavy-rainfall warnings.