IMD forecasts widespread rain in Delhi, northwest India on Aug 14-15
Synopsis
A strengthening low-pressure system in the North Bay of Bengal is set to deliver widespread, heavy rainfall across a near-nationwide arc — from Delhi and Haryana to Odisha, Kerala, and the Northeast — just as Independence Day outdoor events are being planned. Delhi's air quality, meanwhile, remains stubbornly 'poor', with Anand Vihar hitting an AQI of 262 even as rain approaches.
Key Takeaways
The IMD has forecast widespread rainfall over Delhi , Haryana , and Chandigarh on 14-15 August , with light rain or drizzle continuing through 17 August .
A low-pressure system formed off the West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts on 12 August is expected to deepen into a depression within 24-36 hours .
Extremely heavy rain is forecast at isolated places over Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha ; heavy rain expected across more than 10 states .
Delhi's air quality remained in the 'poor' category on 13 August , with Anand Vihar recording an AQI of 262 .
The active monsoon trough is positioned south of its normal location, amplifying rainfall potential across central and eastern India.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall over Delhi, Haryana, and Chandigarh on 14-15 August, as a fresh low-pressure system over the North Bay of Bengal strengthens and moves inland. Isolated heavy rainfall is expected to intensify from 14 August onward, with light rain or drizzle predicted in the national capital through 17 August. Residents have been advised to monitor local weather updates, especially before travelling outdoors.
Low-Pressure System Driving the Monsoon Surge
The low-pressure system formed off the West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts on Wednesday, 12 August, under the influence of a cyclonic circulation over the North Bay of Bengal. According to the IMD, the system is likely to intensify into a well-marked low-pressure area within 12 hours and further develop into a depression over the following 24 hours. The active monsoon trough, currently positioned south of its normal location, is creating favourable conditions for enhanced rainfall across multiple regions.
States on High Alert for Heavy Rainfall
Heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy rain at isolated places, is expected over Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha. Chhattisgarh is also in line for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations. The IMD has additionally forecast heavy rainfall for Jharkhand, East Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, parts of Maharashtra, West Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Karnataka, Konkan and Goa, parts of the Northeast, and Tamil Nadu. This is a near-nationwide rainfall event, underscoring how the strengthening Bay of Bengal system is energising the monsoon trough across a wide arc.
Delhi Air Quality Stays in Poor Category
Despite the incoming rain, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'poor' category on 13 August. Anand Vihar recorded the highest Air Quality Index (AQI) at 262 among monitored stations. Other readings included IIT Delhi at 140, Rohini at 132, Punjabi Bagh at 124, North Campus DU and R.K. Puram each at 122, and Ashok Vihar at 114. Several stations — including Shadipur (80), JNU (80), and Commonwealth Sports Complex (84) — recorded comparatively lower levels. The disparity across monitoring stations highlights localised pollution pockets that persist even during the monsoon season.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
The IMD's rainfall forecast through 17 August coincides with Independence Day on 15 August, when large outdoor gatherings are expected across the country. Authorities in rain-prone states have been urged to remain on alert for waterlogging and flash floods, particularly in low-lying areas of Odisha, West Bengal, and parts of central India. If the low-pressure system deepens into a depression as projected, rainfall intensity across eastern and central India could escalate further in the 72-96 hours ahead.
Point of View
Anand Vihar's AQI of 262 signals that localised emission sources are overwhelming the washout effect. Independence Day on 15 August adds a public-safety dimension — large gatherings in states under heavy-rain alerts carry real risk of waterlogging and crowd management failures that authorities must plan for now, not after the event.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What has the IMD forecast for Delhi weather on 14-15 August?
The IMD has forecast widespread rainfall over Delhi, Haryana, and Chandigarh on 14 and 15 August, with isolated heavy rain becoming more likely from 14 August onward. Light rain or drizzle is expected to continue in Delhi through 17 August.
What is causing the heavy rainfall across India right now?
A low-pressure system that formed off the West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts on 12 August, combined with a cyclonic circulation over the North Bay of Bengal, is driving the current spell. The active monsoon trough sitting south of its normal position is further amplifying rainfall potential across central and eastern India.
Which states are at risk of extremely heavy rainfall?
Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha face the highest risk, with extremely heavy rain forecast at isolated locations. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also expected in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, East Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and parts of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and several other states.
What is Delhi's air quality index today?
Delhi's air quality remained in the 'poor' category on 13 August, with Anand Vihar recording the highest AQI among monitored stations at 262. Several other stations, including IIT Delhi (140) and Rohini (132), also recorded elevated levels.
Should residents be concerned about the weather over Independence Day?
The IMD's heavy-rain forecast through 17 August covers the Independence Day period on 15 August. Residents and event organisers in rain-affected states should monitor local alerts, avoid unnecessary outdoor travel during peak rainfall hours, and be alert to waterlogging risks, particularly in low-lying areas.
