Heavy Rains Bring Relief to Delhi; IMD Predicts More Thunderstorms

New Delhi, June 22, 2025 – After weeks of sweltering heat, Delhi finally witnessed a much-needed spell of heavy rainfall on Saturday. The showers brought immediate relief from rising temperatures, while also significantly improving air quality across the National Capital Region (NCR).

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted thunderstorms and cloudy skies over the coming days, suggesting that monsoon conditions have firmly settled in across North India.

Sudden Downpour Disrupts Routine, Brings Relief

The weather took a dramatic turn on Saturday afternoon as heavy rains lashed parts of Delhi, especially in areas like RK Puram and South-West Delhi. Visuals circulated on social media captured the refreshing showers as residents took to the streets under umbrellas.

According to IMD officials, the maximum temperature dipped to around 35°C, offering temporary relief from the June heat. With cloudy skies and continued light to moderate rains, Delhiites can expect milder weather for the next week.

IMD Forecast: What to Expect

Here’s the weather outlook for the next few days, according to the IMD:

The orange alert issued earlier for parts of Northwest India, including Delhi-NCR, continues to be in effect.

Widespread Rain Alerts Across India

In its extended advisory, the IMD has also issued heavy to very heavy rainfall warnings for several regions between June 21–26, including:

• Northwest India

• Madhya Pradesh

• Gujarat

• Konkan-Goa

Meanwhile, an orange alert has been issued for eight other states:
Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Tripura.

This broad rain coverage marks a strong monsoon onset, improving water availability but also raising flood and landslide risks in vulnerable regions.

Delhi’s Air Quality Sees Rare Improvement

Besides the cooling showers, another positive outcome was Delhi’s cleaner air. As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data:

• AQI on Saturday morning stood at 82 — well within the ‘satisfactory’ category.

• In the past three days, Delhi recorded AQI values of 89 (June 19), 80 (June 18), and 96 (June 17).

• This marks the cleanest air Delhi has seen since September 2024.

According to CPCB classification:

• 0–50: Good

• 51–100: Satisfactory

• 101–200: Moderate

• Above 200: Poor or worse

This cleaner air can be attributed to both the rain and stronger wind activity dispersing pollutants.

Weather-Driven Benefits and Challenges

While the rains brought down pollution levels and eased urban heat, they also disrupted traffic in some areas. Commuters reported waterlogging near arterial roads, particularly in South Delhi and parts of East Delhi.

Residents are advised to:

• Stay indoors during thunderstorms

• Avoid driving through waterlogged areas

• Keep electronic gadgets safe from sudden rain