Delhi IMD Yellow Alert: Light to moderate rain forecast for July 7
Synopsis
Delhi is carrying a 68 per cent rainfall deficit even as India runs 11 per cent above normal for the season — and Monday's predicted heavy rain turned into a drizzle. With the heat index hitting 49.6 degrees Celsius and a Yellow Alert now in force for 7 July, the capital is waiting on a monsoon that keeps promising more than it delivers.
Key Takeaways
The IMD has issued a Yellow Alert for New Delhi on 7 July , forecasting light to moderate rain with thunderstorms.
Delhi's maximum temperature on Tuesday is expected between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius ; minimum between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius .
The heat index reached 49.6 degrees Celsius in parts of Delhi due to high humidity.
Monday, 6 July was one of Delhi's hottest July days in two years, with the mercury at 38.6 degrees Celsius , despite a heavy-rain forecast.
Delhi recorded only 6.6 mm of rain between 1–6 July against a normal of 21 mm — a 68 per cent deficit , among the highest in India.
India overall logged a 53.3 mm rainfall surplus of 11 per cent for the same period.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow Alert for New Delhi on Tuesday, 7 July, forecasting a generally cloudy sky with light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across several parts of the city. The showers are expected to offer some relief from the persistent heat and humidity gripping the capital.
What the IMD Has Forecast
According to the IMD, Delhi's maximum temperature on Tuesday is likely to range between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius, while the minimum is expected to stay between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius. The weather department has also forecast rainfall across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh from 7 July to 11 July, with heavier spells likely on 7 July and 9 July. Residents have been advised to monitor the latest weather updates before planning travel during this period.
Monday's Shortfall and Heat Records
The IMD had predicted heavy rainfall in Delhi-NCR on Monday, 6 July, but most parts of the capital received only light drizzle, falling well short of expectations. Despite the anticipated rain, Monday turned out to be one of the hottest July days in the past two years, with the maximum temperature reaching 38.6 degrees Celsius. The previous highest July temperature was logged on 11 July 2024, when the mercury touched 38.8 degrees Celsius.
Humidity and Heat Index
High humidity has compounded the discomfort for Delhi residents. The heat index — which accounts for humidity to reflect how hot conditions actually feel — touched 49.6 degrees Celsius in some parts of the city, making outdoor exposure particularly hazardous. The IMD noted that no significant change in Delhi's maximum temperature is expected over the next seven days, while the minimum temperature is likely to dip by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius over a three-day window before rising again.
Delhi's Rainfall Deficit Among Country's Highest
The latest IMD data paints a stark picture for the capital. Between 1 July and 6 July, Delhi recorded just 6.6 mm of rainfall against a normal of 21 mm — a deficit of 68 per cent, one of the highest in the country. This contrasts sharply with the national picture: India as a whole received 53.3 mm of rainfall during the same period against a normal of 48 mm, registering an 11 per cent surplus. The capital's persistent shortfall underscores a pattern of uneven monsoon distribution that has left Delhi drier than most of the country even as the broader season progresses above normal.
What to Watch
Whether Tuesday's forecast showers materialise at the intensity the IMD projects will be closely watched, given Monday's miss. A meaningful rainfall event on 7 July or 9 July could begin to narrow Delhi's significant seasonal deficit, though the city would need sustained spells to bridge a 68 per cent gap. Authorities have urged residents to stay alert to lightning warnings accompanying the forecast thunderstorms.
Point of View
Limited green cover, and dense concrete footprint mean that even a modest monsoon shortfall translates into a disproportionate public health burden, as the 49.6-degree heat index illustrates. Monday's forecast miss raises a pointed question about last-mile forecast reliability for urban micro-climates. The broader irony is hard to miss: India is running above normal for the season, yet the country's capital sits among the driest spots on the map. Without targeted urban greening and water-retention infrastructure, Delhi will remain structurally vulnerable to exactly this kind of uneven monsoon distribution, year after year.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the IMD Yellow Alert for Delhi on 7 July mean?
A Yellow Alert issued by the India Meteorological Department signals that residents should 'be aware' of potentially disruptive weather. For Delhi on 7 July, it means light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is expected, and people should plan travel accordingly.
How much rainfall deficit does Delhi have this monsoon season?
Delhi recorded only 6.6 mm of rainfall between 1 July and 6 July against a normal of 21 mm, leaving the city with a 68 per cent deficit — one of the highest in the country. In contrast, India as a whole registered an 11 per cent surplus for the same period.
What was Delhi's heat index and why does it matter?
The heat index in parts of Delhi touched 49.6 degrees Celsius, reflecting how hot conditions feel when humidity is factored in alongside air temperature. A heat index this high indicates serious risk of heat-related illness for those spending extended time outdoors.
Which states are expected to receive rainfall between 7 and 11 July?
The IMD has forecast rainfall across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh from 7 July to 11 July 2025, with heavier spells likely on 7 July and 9 July specifically.
Was the heavy rainfall predicted for Monday, 6 July accurate?
No. The IMD had forecast heavy rainfall for Delhi-NCR on Monday, 6 July, but most parts of the capital received only light drizzle or very light rainfall. Despite the cloud cover, Monday turned out to be one of the hottest July days in two years, with a maximum temperature of 38.6 degrees Celsius.
