Delhi-NCR weather forecast 18 Sep: Light rain, AQI 'satisfactory'
Synopsis
As the monsoon quietly retreats from North India, Delhi-NCR faces a brief window of light showers and manageable air quality — but the clock is ticking. With AQI holding 'satisfactory' and rainfall probability at just 5–12%, Friday offers a rare pre-winter calm before pollution season sets in.
Key Takeaways
IMD forecast light to moderate rain for Delhi-NCR on 18 September 2026 ; no storm or heavy-rain warning issued.
Daytime temperatures expected between 33°C and 35°C ; morning lows between 25°C and 27°C .
Humidity forecast at 60%–80% ; rainfall probability just 5%–12% .
Delhi-NCR AQI remains in the 'satisfactory' category; highest reading at Sirifort (127) , lowest at NSIT Dwarka (47) .
Monsoon withdrawal is accelerating; rainfall likely to remain negligible across the plains in coming days.
Delhi-NCR is likely to receive light to moderate rainfall on Friday, 18 September 2026, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast partly cloudy skies across the national capital region. With the monsoon gradually withdrawing from North India, rain cloud formation over the region has remained minimal, and no warning of heavy rainfall or thunderstorms has been issued.
Temperature and Humidity Outlook
Daytime temperatures are expected to range between 33°C and 35°C, with morning lows settling between 25°C and 27°C. The minimum overnight temperature is likely to hover between 23°C and 25°C. Humidity levels are forecast to stay elevated, ranging between 60% and 80% through the day, adding to general discomfort for residents.
Rainfall Probability and Sky Conditions
The sky is expected to remain partly cloudy with intermittent clear spells over the next 24 hours. The probability of rainfall across the region is estimated at just 5% to 12%, meaning light drizzle may occur in isolated pockets. Several areas across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and the broader NCR witnessed heavy rain with strong winds on Thursday, but conditions are forecast to moderate significantly heading into Friday.
Notably, as the monsoon weakened across North India, hilly regions also recorded snowfall on Thursday, offering relief to tourists visiting higher altitudes. Weather conditions in the hills are expected to shift again on Friday, with rainfall activity projected to remain negligible across the plains in the coming days as the monsoon retreat accelerates.
Air Quality Remains 'Satisfactory'
Delhi-NCR's air quality continued to hold in the 'satisfactory' category on Friday, a relatively benign reading ahead of the winter months when pollution levels typically deteriorate sharply. Station-wise Air Quality Index (AQI) readings were as follows: CRRI Mathura Road (104), Burari Crossing (95), North Campus (121), Pusa (83), Aya Nagar (62), Shadipur (66), NSIT Dwarka (47), ITO (68), DTU (62), Sirifort (127), Mandir Marg (89), R.K. Puram (99), Ashok Vihar (70), Dwarka Sector 8 (88), and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (117).
What to Expect in the Coming Days
As the monsoon's withdrawal progresses, rainfall activity is expected to remain negligible across Delhi-NCR and the wider North Indian plains over the next several days. Authorities have not issued any storm or thunderstorm alerts for the region. The transition period between the monsoon and winter typically brings fluctuating humidity and marginal AQI movement — residents should monitor forecasts closely as post-monsoon pollution risk begins to rise.
Point of View
Reassuring pause before the harder seasonal challenge begins. Delhi's AQI sits 'satisfactory' now, but the monsoon's retreat is precisely when pollution starts its seasonal climb — and this city has historically been unprepared for that transition. The rainfall probability of just 5–12% means the natural washdown effect on particulate matter is fading fast. Authorities and residents would do well to treat this window not as a reprieve but as a countdown.
NationPress
18 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it rain in Delhi-NCR on 18 September 2026?
Light to moderate rain is possible in Delhi-NCR on 18 September 2026, according to the India Meteorological Department. The probability of rainfall is estimated at 5% to 12%, and no heavy rain or thunderstorm warning has been issued.
What is Delhi's AQI today, 18 September 2026?
Delhi-NCR's Air Quality Index remains in the 'satisfactory' category as of 18 September 2026. Station readings range from 47 at NSIT Dwarka to 127 at Sirifort, with most monitoring stations recording figures between 60 and 121.
What will Delhi's temperature be on 18 September?
Daytime temperatures are forecast between 33°C and 35°C, with morning temperatures between 25°C and 27°C. Humidity is expected to range from 60% to 80%, making conditions feel warmer than the mercury alone suggests.
Is the monsoon withdrawing from Delhi this week?
Yes, the monsoon has begun its gradual withdrawal from North India, including Delhi-NCR, as of mid-September 2026. Rainfall activity is expected to become increasingly negligible over the coming days as the retreat accelerates.
What weather did Delhi experience on Thursday before the Friday forecast?
Several areas across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and NCR received heavy rain accompanied by strong winds on Thursday. Hilly regions also recorded snowfall. Conditions are expected to moderate significantly on Friday, with only light, isolated showers possible.
