Delhi-NCR humidity persists on 18 August, heavy rain unlikely this week
Synopsis
Delhi-NCR is stuck in a muggy limbo — above-normal temperatures, humidity touching 84%, and no heavy rain in sight for the week. Meanwhile, the IMD has put 23 states and Union Territories on heavy-rainfall alert, with wind gusts up to 65 kmph and landslide warnings for hilly areas. The capital waits while the rest of India braces.
Key Takeaways
Delhi-NCR recorded a minimum of 27.8°C (1.3° above normal) and a maximum of 35.8°C (2° above normal) on Monday, 18 August .
Relative humidity ranged between 58% and 84% , making conditions feel hot and muggy.
The IMD forecasts only very light to light rain in isolated parts of Delhi on 19–20 August ; heavy rain remains unlikely this week.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall alerts have been issued for 23 states and Union Territories , with wind speeds up to 65 kmph .
Landslide warnings have been issued for hilly regions; residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to stay cautious.
Delhi's air quality stayed 'moderate'; highest AQI recorded at Wazirpur at 186 .
Delhi-NCR residents braced for another muggy stretch on 18 August as humid conditions continued across the national capital, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting generally cloudy skies and little prospect of significant rainfall through the week. The region's wait for a sustained monsoon spell looks set to extend further.
Current Weather Conditions
On Monday, Delhi's minimum temperature was recorded at 27.8 degrees Celsius — 1.3 degrees above the seasonal norm — while the maximum settled at 35.8 degrees Celsius, some 2 degrees above the seasonal average. Relative humidity ranged between 58% and 84% over the previous 24 hours, compounding the discomfort for residents already enduring above-normal heat. The IMD noted no significant change in either temperature extreme during this period.
IMD Forecast for Delhi
For Tuesday, the weather department has projected generally cloudy conditions with very little chance of rain. The minimum temperature is expected to hold between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius, while the maximum is likely to range from 32 to 34 degrees Celsius. Northwest winds are forecast to blow at 10–15 kmph through the day. Very light to light rainfall is possible in isolated parts of the city from morning through afternoon on 19 and 20 August, according to the IMD, though the possibility of heavy rainfall in the capital remains low for the week.
Nationwide Rainfall Alerts
While Delhi awaits meaningful rain, the IMD has issued alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall across a wide swathe of the country. States and Union Territories under alert include Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir-Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Wind speeds could reach up to 65 kmph in some areas, with thunderstorms and lightning also likely. Landslide alerts have been issued for hilly regions, and authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to exercise caution.
Delhi Air Quality
Despite the oppressive humidity, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'moderate' category. The highest Air Quality Index (AQI) among monitored stations was recorded at Wazirpur at 186, followed by Anand Vihar at 141, IIT Delhi at 123, Rohini at 119, and Chandni Chowk at 117. Several other stations — including Dwarka Sector 8 (106), CRRI Mathura Road (111), and Ashok Vihar (97) — also registered readings in the moderate band. Cleaner air was recorded at JNU (68), Pusa (69), and the Cantonment area (74).
With monsoon activity concentrated over other parts of the country, Delhi-NCR residents are unlikely to see meaningful relief from the heat and humidity in the immediate term, according to IMD projections.
Point of View
Even as Delhi waits for rain, underscores how uneven monsoon distribution has become — a trend with real implications for water table recharge in the capital region.
NationPress
18 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Delhi not getting heavy rain despite the monsoon season?
According to the IMD, the monsoon trough and associated weather systems are currently positioned over other parts of the country, keeping significant rainfall away from Delhi-NCR. The department forecasts only very light to light rain in isolated areas on 19–20 August, with heavy rain remaining unlikely through the week.
What is the temperature forecast for Delhi on 19 August?
The IMD has forecast a minimum temperature of 23–25 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 32–34 degrees Celsius for Delhi on 19 August. Northwest winds at 10–15 kmph are also expected.
Which states are under IMD heavy rainfall alert?
The IMD has issued heavy to very heavy rainfall alerts for 23 states and Union Territories, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, among others.
What is Delhi's current air quality?
Delhi's air quality is in the 'moderate' category. The highest AQI was recorded at Wazirpur at 186, with several other stations including Anand Vihar (141) and IIT Delhi (123) also in the moderate range. Cleaner readings were noted at JNU (68) and Pusa (69).
Are there any landslide warnings in India currently?
Yes, the IMD has issued landslide-related alerts for several hilly regions due to the possibility of intense rainfall. Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious as adverse weather could disrupt normal activities.
