Delhi-NCR rain alert: IMD warns of heavy showers and thunderstorms on 22 August
Synopsis
Delhi-NCR's Saturday morning showers are just the opening act — the IMD has flagged isolated heavy rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds through the day for Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad. With active monsoon conditions forecast nationally until 27 August and multiple states on alert, this is one of the more widespread weather advisories of the season.
Key Takeaways
IMD issued a heavy rain and thunderstorm warning for Delhi-NCR on 22 August , covering Delhi , Noida , Gurugram , and Ghaziabad .
Light-to-moderate rainfall hit the region on Saturday morning , with unsettled weather expected to persist for 24 hours .
Waterlogging and traffic disruptions are likely, particularly during peak commuting hours.
Heavy to very heavy rain forecast across Uttar Pradesh , Madhya Pradesh , Bihar , Odisha , and northeastern states.
Active monsoon conditions expected to continue across India until 27 August .
Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI in Delhi at 166 (moderate category); several stations reported satisfactory levels.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on 22 August issued a warning of isolated heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across Delhi-NCR, a day after the region woke up to light-to-moderate morning showers. The alert covers Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad, with unsettled weather expected to persist through the next 24 hours.
What the IMD Alert Says
According to the IMD forecast, skies over the national capital and its adjoining areas will remain generally cloudy, with intermittent spells of light-to-moderate rain through the day. Isolated locations could see intense downpours accompanied by lightning and strong winds. Delhi, Haryana, and Chandigarh have been specifically flagged for heavy rainfall at isolated places, with thunderstorms and lightning likely over parts of the region.
Impact on Commuters and Residents
Authorities have advised residents to stay prepared for sudden shifts in weather conditions. Heavy showers in isolated pockets are likely to cause waterlogging and traffic disruptions, particularly during peak hours. Commuters passing through Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad may face rain-related congestion and delays.
Broader National Forecast
The Delhi-NCR alert is part of a wider monsoon advisory covering multiple states. Heavy to very heavy rainfall has been forecast for parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Several northeastern states are also expected to see significant rainfall activity. Konkan and Goa, Gujarat, and Rajasthan may receive heavy showers, while Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are likely to experience widespread rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds. Active monsoon conditions are expected to continue across the country until 27 August.
Delhi Air Quality Update
Despite the rainfall, Delhi's air quality remained in the moderate category on Saturday. Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI among monitored stations at 166, followed by Jahangirpuri at 125, Dwarka-Sector 8 at 113, R.K. Puram at 105, NSIT Dwarka at 104, and CRRI Mathura Road at 101. Stations including Pusa, DTU, Burari Crossing, and IGI Airport reported satisfactory air quality levels. With rain continuing through the weekend, air quality could improve further if precipitation remains sustained.
Point of View
But the geographic spread of this warning — from Delhi-NCR to Konkan, Rajasthan, and the northeast simultaneously — underscores how active the 2025 monsoon trough has been in its final August stretch. What gets underreported is the urban infrastructure angle: Delhi's waterlogging problem is less about rainfall intensity and more about drainage capacity that has not kept pace with the city's expansion. The AQI data offers a silver lining — sustained rain is the most effective natural air scrubber the capital has — but that benefit evaporates the moment the monsoon retreats. The real story is whether civic agencies used the pre-monsoon window to clear drains, and the answer, judging by annual flooding patterns, is typically no.
NationPress
22 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What weather alert has the IMD issued for Delhi-NCR on 22 August?
The IMD has warned of isolated heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across Delhi-NCR on 22 August. Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad are among the areas likely to experience intense rain spells through the day.
Will there be waterlogging and traffic disruptions in Delhi today?
Yes, according to the IMD forecast, heavy showers in isolated areas are likely to cause waterlogging and traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Commuters in Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad are advised to account for rain-related delays.
How long will the monsoon remain active across India?
Active monsoon conditions are expected to continue across the country until 27 August, according to the IMD. Multiple states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, and several northeastern states remain under heavy rainfall advisories.
What is Delhi's air quality today despite the rain?
Delhi's air quality remained in the moderate category on 22 August. Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 166, while several stations including Pusa, DTU, Burari Crossing, and IGI Airport reported satisfactory levels.
Which other states are under heavy rainfall warning on 22 August?
Besides Delhi-NCR, heavy to very heavy rainfall has been forecast for Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Konkan and Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, along with several northeastern states.
