Delhi-NCR weather: IMD forecasts week of rain, thunderstorms; mercury below 40°C
Synopsis
Delhi-NCR is set for a week of thunderstorms and rain, with the IMD keeping the mercury below 40°C till June 5 — a sharp break from last fortnight's heatwave. But the bigger story is global: the WMO has warned that a developing El Nino in the tropical Pacific could reshape monsoon patterns and trigger extreme weather in the months ahead.
Key Takeaways
IMD has forecast a week of thunderstorms and rainfall across Delhi-NCR .
Maximum temperatures to stay below 40°C until 5 June .
Delhi's Safdarjung logged 37.7°C on Tuesday — 2.3 degrees below normal.
Stations including Ayanagar , Lodhi Road , Palam and The Ridge recorded readings 2.5-5°C below seasonal normal.
WMO has warned of a developing El Nino event that could intensify heatwaves, droughts and heavy rainfall globally.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a week of thunderstorms and rainfall across Delhi-NCR, with maximum temperatures expected to stay below 40 degrees Celsius until 5 June. The outlook offers continued respite to residents after several days of unusually mild summer weather in the national capital.
Current temperature readings
On Tuesday, Delhi logged a maximum of 37.7 degrees Celsius at Safdarjung — 2.3 degrees below the seasonal normal — while the minimum settled at 26.8 degrees Celsius. Across monitoring stations, the mercury stayed well under par: Ayanagar at 36.1°C, Lodhi Road at 36°C, Palam at 35.9°C, and The Ridge at 37.2°C — between 2.5 and 5 degrees below normal for the season, according to IMD data.
Why the cooler spell
The dip is attributed to active western disturbances and pre-monsoon convective activity sweeping the region, which have triggered intermittent showers and gusty winds. The pattern marks a sharp contrast to the searing heatwaves that gripped north India in the previous fortnight.
El Nino looms over global outlook
Even as Delhi cools, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) on Tuesday flagged that El Nino conditions are developing in the tropical Pacific, fuelled by unusually warm ocean waters, and are likely to reshape global temperature and rainfall patterns in the coming months.
“We need to prepare for a potentially strong El Nino event, which will exacerbate drought and heavy rainfall and increase the risk of heatwaves both on land and in the ocean,” WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said at a press conference in Geneva.
Saulo noted that the most recent El Nino, in 2023-2024, ranked among the five strongest on record and contributed to the historic global temperatures logged in 2024. She added that advance seasonal forecasts and early warnings remain vital to cushion the impact on lives, agriculture and climate-sensitive sectors.
What's next for Delhi
The IMD has advised residents to expect intermittent thundershowers through the week, with localised waterlogging and traffic disruption possible during peak spells. Forecasters will be watching whether the developing El Nino pattern alters the trajectory of the southwest monsoon, due to advance over northwest India later this month.
Point of View
But it shouldn't be mistaken for a structural reprieve. India is heading into a monsoon season under the shadow of a developing El Nino — historically associated with rainfall deficits over the subcontinent. The 2023-2024 El Nino was among the strongest on record and pushed global temperatures to historic highs; another strong cycle would test agricultural resilience and water management at a time when reservoir levels are already strained. The real question isn't this week's thunderstorms — it's whether India's early-warning and crop-planning systems are ready for what the Pacific is signalling.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IMD's weather forecast for Delhi-NCR this week?
The IMD has forecast a week of thunderstorms and rainfall across Delhi-NCR, with maximum temperatures expected to stay below 40 degrees Celsius until 5 June. Residents can expect intermittent showers and gusty winds through the week.
What was Delhi's temperature on Tuesday?
Delhi recorded a maximum of 37.7 degrees Celsius at Safdarjung on Tuesday, which is 2.3 degrees below the seasonal normal. The minimum stood at 26.8 degrees Celsius.
Why are Delhi temperatures below normal?
Active western disturbances and pre-monsoon convective activity have brought intermittent showers and cooler winds to the region, pulling temperatures across multiple stations 2.5 to 5 degrees below the seasonal normal.
What has the WMO said about El Nino?
The World Meteorological Organisation has warned that El Nino conditions are developing in the tropical Pacific, fuelled by unusually warm ocean waters. WMO chief Celeste Saulo said the event could exacerbate droughts, heavy rainfall and heatwaves globally in the coming months.
How could El Nino affect India?
El Nino events are historically associated with weaker monsoon rainfall over India, which can stress agriculture, water reservoirs and power demand. The WMO has urged governments and climate-sensitive sectors to act on advance seasonal forecasts and early warnings.
