Key facts
- Delhi-NCR is experiencing relief from heatwave conditions due to rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
- The IMD has issued a red alert for the region, warning of severe weather including intense thunderstorms and winds up to 80 kmph.
- Light to moderate rainfall is expected to continue throughout the day.
- Delhi recorded its coolest day of June on Friday, with temperatures 5.3°C below normal.
- Unstable weather with rain and thunderstorms is forecast through June 16.
Delhi-NCR residents are experiencing cooler temperatures and relief from heatwave conditions following several days of rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Delhi and adjoining areas, warning of severe weather including intense thunderstorms, lightning, and winds reaching speeds of 60-70 kmph, with gusts potentially touching 80 kmph. The weather department advised people to remain indoors during thunderstorms and stay away from vulnerable areas, cautioning that adverse weather could disrupt traffic and daily commuting.
Light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, is expected to continue throughout the day across Delhi-NCR. This rainfall has significantly reduced temperatures, with Delhi recording its coolest day of June so far on Friday. The maximum temperature at Safdarjung settled at 34.6°C, 5.3°C below normal, while the minimum temperature dropped to 22.8°C, 5.2°C below average.
For Saturday, the IMD forecasts a maximum temperature around 37°C and a minimum temperature near 23°C. Several parts of the NCR and nearby states are expected to experience strong winds of 60-80 kmph, with isolated areas potentially witnessing hailstorm activity. Weather conditions are predicted to remain unstable through June 16, with generally cloudy skies and intermittent rain spells. Meteorologists suggest the continued rainfall activity could keep temperatures 2°C to 4°C below normal, offering much-needed respite from the scorching summer.
Looking ahead, northwest India, including Delhi, is expected to see light to moderate rainfall as a western disturbance moves away. A yellow alert has been issued for Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana. The wet spell is anticipated to continue across northwest India through June 19, 2026, with isolated to scattered rainfall expected in various regions including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Isolated thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds are also forecast for several of these areas, with isolated heavy rainfall possible in East Uttar Pradesh and thundersqualls in Rajasthan.