Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are set to experience much-anticipated relief from the scorching heatwave, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds over the weekend of June 20-21, 2026.
Weekend Weather Outlook for Delhi-NCR
According to the IMD's latest forecast, Delhi is likely to see partly cloudy skies on Saturday, June 20, transitioning to light rain or thundershowers in the afternoon and evening. Winds are expected to be gusty, reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph, with some areas experiencing gusts up to 60 kmph. These intermittent showers, along with cloudy skies and occasional thunderstorms, are projected to continue through Sunday, June 21.
Despite the expected rainfall, daytime temperatures are not anticipated to change significantly in the immediate 24 hours. Maximum temperatures are forecast to hover between 37 and 39 degrees Celsius, while minimums will likely range from 25 to 27 degrees Celsius. However, increased cloud cover and moisture-laden winds are expected to make daytime conditions feel relatively more comfortable.
Monsoon Revival and Broader Impact
Meteorologists attribute this shift in weather patterns to a western disturbance interacting with favorable local weather systems, which are conducive to pre-monsoon rain and thunderstorm activity across Delhi-NCR. This forecast also signals a gradual revival of the southwest monsoon, which has seen slow progress and below-normal rainfall in several parts of the country over the past two weeks.
Rain-bearing systems are expected to strengthen over Central India in the coming days, enhancing rainfall activity in regions awaiting widespread monsoon showers. Isolated to scattered rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (40-60 kmph), is predicted for Chhattisgarh, East Madhya Pradesh, West Madhya Pradesh, and Vidarbha between June 19 and June 25. Parts of Madhya Pradesh may also experience thundersqualls with wind speeds up to 70 kmph.
Nationwide Weather Alerts
The IMD has issued a weather alert for 19 states, warning of rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds, with speeds potentially reaching 50-70 kmph in some areas. Heavy rainfall is specifically forecast for Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim over the next 8 to 48 hours. Southern states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep, are also expected to receive significant rainfall in the days ahead.
Air Quality Remains a Concern
Despite the impending change in weather, Delhi's air quality continues to be a concern. Several monitoring stations reported 'poor' air quality levels. Anand Vihar recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 223, and IIT Delhi registered 203. Other areas like Pusa, Wazirpur, Dwarka Sector-8, Vivek Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Sonia Vihar, Nehru Nagar, Bawana, JNU, Chandni Chowk, and DTU also reported elevated pollution levels.