Delhi-NCR dry weather forecast: IMD predicts 34–36°C, air quality satisfactory
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast predominantly dry weather across Delhi and most parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) on Saturday, 20 September 2026, with no major rainfall expected in New Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and several other areas. The city's air quality has remained in the satisfactory category as of the latest readings.
Delhi Weather Outlook
The IMD has predicted partly cloudy skies over the capital, with the maximum temperature expected to remain between 34 degrees Celsius and 36 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature is likely to settle in the range of 22 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius. No weather warning has been issued for New Delhi or the wider Delhi region.
This comes as the Southwest Monsoon shows early signs of retreat from northwest India. The IMD has indicated that atmospheric conditions are becoming favourable for the monsoon's withdrawal from parts of West Rajasthan on Saturday — a development that typically signals the broader retreat cycle across the northwest.
NCR Sub-Regions: Gurugram an Exception
While most of the NCR is set for dry conditions, Gurugram could see isolated weather activity, with the possibility of one or two spells of rain or thundershowers during the day. No warning, however, has been issued for the city. Residents across the NCR are advised to expect warm, partly overcast days without significant precipitation.
Monsoon Activity Across India
Rainfall remains active across several other parts of the country. Several districts of Maharashtra — including Pune, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Dhule, Jalgaon, and Nandurbar — are expected to receive rainfall on Saturday. Rain is also forecast in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nanded, Latur, Parbhani, Beed, Hingoli, Jalna, and Osmanabad.
Scattered monsoon showers and thunderstorms are forecast over Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, and West Rajasthan. East Uttar Pradesh may witness similar conditions through Sunday. Himachal Pradesh is likely to receive isolated rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms through 24 September.
In central India, West Madhya Pradesh and East Madhya Pradesh may see fairly widespread to widespread rainfall with thunderstorms on Saturday, while Chhattisgarh could also receive fairly widespread showers with lightning in several areas.
In southern and coastal regions, Kerala, Mahe, and Lakshadweep are likely to experience fairly widespread rainfall through 24 September. Parts of Karnataka — including North Interior, South Interior Karnataka — and Telangana are expected to receive rainfall on Saturday. Coastal Andhra Pradesh may see isolated to scattered rainfall between Saturday and Sunday.
Delhi Air Quality Readings
Delhi's air quality index remained in the satisfactory category across monitoring stations. Station-wise readings include: CRRI Mathura Road (131), Burari Crossing (99), North Campus DU (125), IGI Airport T3 (102), Pusa (89), Aya Nagar (75), Shadipur (79), ITO (88), DTU (94), R K Puram (128), Ashok Vihar (91), Dwarka-Sector 8 (116), Narela (120), Rohini (107), Chandni Chowk (98), and IIT Delhi (131).
As the monsoon inches toward its seasonal withdrawal from northwest India, Delhi residents can expect a gradual shift in weather patterns in the coming days — with conditions likely turning drier and temperatures potentially edging higher before the onset of autumn cooling.