Delhi-NCR weather today: Light to moderate rain, 27-35°C on August 21
Synopsis
Delhi-NCR's Friday rain forecast carries a hidden alarm: H1N1 cases in the capital have surged to 1,344 by early August — nearly six times the tally from the same period last year. With humid, fluctuating weather set to persist and air quality stuck in the poor category at key monitoring stations, residents face a compounding health risk beyond just the monsoon inconvenience.
Key Takeaways
Delhi-NCR is forecast to see partly sunny skies with intermittent light to moderate rain on 21 August ; temperatures between 27 and 35°C .
The IMD has issued isolated heavy rainfall alerts for Haryana , Chandigarh , and Delhi on 20 and 22 August .
H1N1 cases in Delhi reached 1,344 by early August — nearly six times the 229 recorded in the same period last year.
Anand Vihar recorded the worst AQI at 242 ; Delhi's overall air quality remains in the poor category.
Mumbai is likely to see thunderstorms with temperatures between 25 and 31°C .
Widespread rainfall is expected to continue across the Himalayan region , central and eastern India, the Northeast , and the west coast.
Delhi-NCR is set for a partly sunny Friday, 21 August, with intermittent spells of light to moderate rainfall expected across parts of the national capital. Temperatures are forecast to range between 27 and 35 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
IMD Forecast for Delhi and Surrounding Region
The IMD has forecast isolated heavy rainfall over Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi on 20 August and again on 22 August. For Friday specifically, the detailed city forecast points mainly to very light to light rainfall, with moderate showers possible at isolated locations. Skies are expected to remain generally cloudy, with rain arriving in spells rather than as sustained downpours.
Fresh rainfall alerts have been issued for 21 August across several parts of the country. Punjab is likely to witness fresh rain spells on Friday and Saturday, with moderate to heavy rainfall possible in some areas.
Nationwide Wet Weather Outlook
Widespread rainfall is expected to continue across large parts of India over the coming days. The Himalayan region, central and eastern India, the Northeast, and stretches of the west coast are all likely to remain under wet conditions, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers possible in some areas.
In Mumbai, thunderstorms are likely, followed by relatively cool and breezy conditions. The city's temperature is forecast between 25 and 31 degrees Celsius.
H1N1 Cases Surge Amid Humid Conditions
The humid and fluctuating weather has coincided with a sharp rise in H1N1 (swine flu) and other respiratory infections across Delhi-NCR and parts of the country. The national capital recorded 1,344 H1N1 cases by early August — nearly six times higher than the 229 cases logged during the corresponding period last year. Doctors have advised residents to stay alert for flu-like symptoms and take necessary precautions to limit the spread of infection.
Delhi Air Quality Remains Poor
Despite the rainfall activity, Delhi's air quality remained in the poor category on Friday. Monitoring data showed Anand Vihar recording the highest AQI at 242, followed by Dwarka Sector 8 at 181, Jahangirpuri at 158, Pusa at 145, and IIT Delhi at 142. Mundka recorded 134, Bawana at 136, Sonia Vihar at 124, and Siri Fort at 123.
Relatively cleaner readings were observed at Najafgarh and the Commonwealth Sports Complex, both at 95, the Cantonment Area at 93, and JNU at 90.
With wet weather set to persist through the weekend, residents are advised to monitor IMD updates and take precautions against both respiratory illness and poor air quality.
Point of View
And the monsoon humidity is accelerating both. The AQI reading at Anand Vihar hitting 242 — well into the poor band — on a rainy day underscores how ineffective monsoon washouts have been at clearing Delhi's air this season. Authorities have issued health advisories, but the gap between advisory and actionable public health infrastructure remains the city's chronic vulnerability.
NationPress
21 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather forecast for Delhi-NCR on 21 August?
Delhi-NCR is expected to see partly sunny skies with intermittent light to moderate rainfall on 21 August. Temperatures are forecast to range between 27 and 35 degrees Celsius, with skies remaining generally cloudy through the day.
Has the IMD issued any heavy rainfall alerts for Delhi?
Yes, the IMD has forecast isolated heavy rainfall over Delhi, Haryana, and Chandigarh on 20 August and again on 22 August. The detailed city forecast for 21 August itself points mainly to light rainfall, with moderate showers possible at isolated spots.
Why are H1N1 cases rising in Delhi?
Humid and fluctuating weather conditions during the monsoon season have contributed to a surge in H1N1 and other respiratory infections. Delhi recorded 1,344 H1N1 cases by early August — nearly six times the 229 cases from the same period last year. Doctors have urged residents to watch for flu-like symptoms and take preventive measures.
What is Delhi's air quality like today?
Delhi's air quality remains in the poor category. Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 242, while several other stations including Dwarka Sector 8 (181) and Jahangirpuri (158) also logged elevated readings. Cleaner air was recorded at JNU (90) and the Cantonment Area (93).
What is the weather outlook for Mumbai on 21 August?
Mumbai is likely to experience thunderstorms on 21 August, followed by relatively cool and breezy conditions. Temperatures in the city are forecast between 25 and 31 degrees Celsius.
