Delhi-NCR rain forecast: IMD predicts thunderstorms June 22–25, AQI stays 'poor'
Synopsis
Delhi is getting brief thunder-showers — but don't call it the monsoon. The IMD has confirmed these spells are western-disturbance driven, while the actual southwest monsoon could miss its 27 June Delhi date and arrive in early July. With India already running a 41.1% rainfall deficit for June, the delay is more than a weather footnote — it has real implications for kharif agriculture across the north.
Key Takeaways
IMD has forecast light showers and thunderstorms across Delhi-NCR from 22 June to 25 June .
Maximum temperatures are expected between 37–38 degrees Celsius ; minimums between 26–27 degrees Celsius through the period.
The incoming rain is caused by western disturbances , not the southwest monsoon, according to meteorologists.
Southwest monsoon arrival in Delhi — normally around 27 June — may slip to early July this year.
India recorded only 51.5 mm of rainfall between 1–19 June , against a long-period average of 86.7 mm — a deficit of 41.1 per cent .
Wazirpur (261) and Anand Vihar (260) recorded the worst AQI in Delhi, with the city-wide index remaining in the 'poor' band.
Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) may get brief relief from oppressive heat as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light showers and thunderstorms across the region between 22 June and 25 June. Despite the incoming weather activity, Delhi's air quality index (AQI) remained firmly in the 'poor' category on 22 June, with several monitoring stations logging readings above 200.
Temperature Forecast for Delhi-NCR
On 22 June, the maximum temperature in Delhi is expected to hover around 37 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of 27 degrees Celsius. Similar conditions are forecast for 23 June, with temperatures ranging between 26 and 37 degrees Celsius.
By 24 June and 25 June, the mercury is expected to climb back to 38 degrees Celsius during the day, while overnight lows are likely to remain between 26 and 27 degrees Celsius. Partly cloudy skies are anticipated across the region through this period, reducing the risk of severe heat stress. Neighbouring cities including Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad are also expected to experience gusty winds and isolated showers driven by an active weather system over northern India.
On the preceding Sunday, Delhi recorded a maximum of 38.9 degrees Celsius — 0.3 degrees above the seasonal average — while the minimum settled at 28.8 degrees Celsius, 0.8 degrees higher than normal, according to IMD data.
Monsoon Delay and Rainfall Deficit
Crucially, meteorologists have clarified that the ongoing spells of rain and thunderstorms over Delhi are not associated with the southwest monsoon. These events are being triggered by western disturbances affecting northern parts of the country — a distinction that matters for agriculture and water planning.
Under normal circumstances, the southwest monsoon arrives in Delhi around 27 June. This year, however, forecasters believe its onset in the capital may be pushed to early July. In 2025, the monsoon had reached Delhi on 29 June, two days behind its normal date. The advance has been slower than usual nationally as well, with cities including Mumbai — whose normal onset date is 8 June — still reportedly awaiting the monsoon's arrival.
The delay is compounding an already worrying rainfall deficit. According to IMD data, India recorded only 51.5 mm of rainfall between 1 June and 19 June, against a long-period average of 86.7 mm for the same window — a shortfall of 41.1 per cent. Delhi's own June rainfall picture is equally stark: the city received just 22.7 mm between 1 June and 20 June, compared to 88.01 mm during the same period last year. The normal June rainfall for Delhi stands at 74.1 mm.
Air Quality Across Delhi Stations
Delhi's air quality offered little comfort alongside the weather outlook. Wazirpur recorded the highest AQI at 261, followed closely by Anand Vihar at 260 and IIT Delhi at 240. Ashok Vihar logged 233, while DTU recorded 221.
Other stations in the 'poor' band included Pusa (212), Sonia Vihar (210), R K Puram (205), Mandir Marg (200), JNU (198), Mundka (197), Nehru Nagar (194), Cantonment Area (193), Bawana (191), Chandni Chowk (191), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (182), and Aya Nagar (171). An AQI between 201 and 300 is classified as 'poor' and can cause discomfort to most people, particularly those with respiratory conditions.
What to Watch
With the monsoon's Delhi arrival likely slipping to early July and a national rainfall deficit already at 41.1 per cent, the coming days will be closely watched by both weather agencies and agricultural planners. Any further delay could intensify pressure on kharif sowing timelines across northern and central India.
Point of View
But it masks a more uncomfortable signal: Delhi's monsoon is running late again, and India's June rainfall deficit has already crossed 41 per cent. Western disturbances can cool a city for an afternoon; they cannot replenish reservoirs or save a kharif crop. The IMD's own data — 22.7 mm in Delhi against a 74.1 mm June normal — tells a story that a few gusty showers will not resolve. If the monsoon slips past early July, the conversation will shift quickly from AQI to water tables and food prices.
NationPress
22 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it rain in Delhi this week?
Yes, the IMD has forecast light showers and thunderstorms across Delhi and NCR cities including Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad between 22 June and 25 June. However, these spells are driven by western disturbances, not the southwest monsoon.
When will the monsoon arrive in Delhi in 2025?
The southwest monsoon normally reaches Delhi around 27 June, but forecasters indicate its arrival this year may be delayed to early July. In 2025, the monsoon had reached the capital on 29 June, two days behind schedule.
What is Delhi's AQI today and is it safe?
Delhi's AQI remained in the 'poor' category on 22 June, with Wazirpur recording the highest reading at 261 and Anand Vihar at 260. An AQI in the 201–300 range can cause breathing discomfort, especially for people with respiratory conditions.
How bad is India's monsoon rainfall deficit in June 2025?
India recorded only 51.5 mm of rainfall between 1 June and 19 June, against a long-period average of 86.7 mm — a deficit of 41.1 per cent. Delhi itself received just 22.7 mm between 1–20 June, far below the June normal of 74.1 mm.
Are the current rains in Delhi part of the southwest monsoon?
No. Meteorologists have clarified that the recent rain and thunderstorm spells in Delhi are triggered by western disturbances affecting northern India, and are not associated with the southwest monsoon, which has not yet reached the capital.
