IMD forecasts rain, thunderstorms for Delhi-NCR June 18-21; AQI stays poor
Synopsis
Delhi-NCR is set for thunderstorms, dust storms, and gusts up to 60 kmph between June 18 and 21, according to the IMD — but the incoming weather system offers only partial relief. Air quality across the capital remains firmly in the 'poor' zone, with Anand Vihar's AQI hitting 224, underscoring that rain alone may not be enough to clear the air.
Key Takeaways
The IMD has forecast light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across Delhi-NCR from 18 June to 21 June .
Friday's maximum temperature in Delhi is expected between 40°C and 42°C ; minimum between 27°C and 29°C .
Wind gusts could reach 40–50 kmph , with occasional peaks of 60 kmph ; dust storms and lightning are also possible.
Delhi's air quality remains in the 'poor' category, with Anand Vihar recording the highest AQI of 224 .
No formal IMD warning or advisory has been issued alongside the forecast.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) between 18 June and 21 June, offering residents a potential respite from the recent intense heat spell. The weather office has not issued any formal warning or advisory alongside the forecast.
What the Forecast Says
Skies over Delhi-NCR are expected to remain partly cloudy through the forecast window, with scattered showers anticipated across several parts of the region. For Friday, the maximum temperature is projected to range between 40°C and 42°C, while the minimum is likely to hover between 27°C and 29°C — close to seasonal averages, though daytime highs may stay slightly above normal.
Surface winds are forecast to blow predominantly from the west, picking up through the day — starting at around 15 kmph in the morning, rising to 20 kmph in the afternoon, and strengthening to nearly 25 kmph by evening and night. The IMD has additionally flagged the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning, dust storms, and gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph, with occasional gusts touching 60 kmph.
Impact on Heat and Humidity
Weather experts note that the combination of cloud cover, rainfall, and strong winds is expected to keep temperatures in check and reduce the likelihood of heatwave conditions across the region. However, elevated humidity in some pockets could cause intermittent discomfort even as mercury levels dip.
Air Quality Remains Poor
Despite the incoming weather change, Delhi's air quality continued to languish in the 'poor' category as of 19 June. Multiple monitoring stations recorded elevated Air Quality Index (AQI) readings: Anand Vihar logged 224, Pusa recorded 176, Wazirpur stood at 155, Rohini at 142, Narela at 133, Bawana at 132, R K Puram at 137, Sonia Vihar at 122, Mundka at 165, Aya Nagar at 106, DTU at 104, and NSIT Dwarka at 96.
What to Watch
Residents should monitor IMD updates closely, particularly given the possibility of sudden dust storms and lightning. While no advisory has been issued yet, gusts touching 60 kmph can pose risks to loose structures and outdoor activity. Air quality is unlikely to improve significantly until sustained rainfall clears particulate matter from the atmosphere.
Point of View
But the absence of a formal advisory is telling — the department itself is hedging on intensity. More concerning is the air quality picture: a 'poor' AQI across nearly every major monitoring station means Delhi's pollution crisis is no longer just a winter story. Pre-monsoon dust storms, which the forecast explicitly flags, can actually worsen particulate readings before rainfall clears them. The city's residents are caught between heat, smog, and storm risk simultaneously — a convergence that demands clearer public health communication than a weather forecast alone provides.
NationPress
4 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What weather has the IMD forecast for Delhi-NCR?
The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, dust storms, and gusty winds across Delhi-NCR between 18 June and 21 June. Wind gusts could reach 40–50 kmph, with occasional peaks of 60 kmph.
What is Delhi's air quality index right now?
As of 19 June, Delhi's air quality is in the 'poor' category. Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI of 224, followed by Pusa at 176, Mundka at 165, and Wazirpur at 155, among other stations.
Will the rain bring relief from Delhi's heat?
Weather experts indicate that cloud cover, rainfall, and strong winds should help keep temperatures in check and reduce heatwave risk. However, humidity may remain elevated in some areas, causing intermittent discomfort even as temperatures ease.
Has the IMD issued any warning for Delhi-NCR?
No. The IMD has not issued any formal warning or advisory alongside this forecast, despite flagging the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning, dust storms, and gusts up to 60 kmph.
When is the rain expected to arrive in Delhi-NCR?
Intermittent rain and thunderstorm activity is expected across Delhi-NCR between 18 June and 21 June, with skies remaining partly cloudy and scattered showers likely in several parts of the region during this period.
