Delhi-NCR rain forecast 12 Aug: Cloudy skies, heavy showers, poor AQI
Synopsis
Rain is returning to Delhi-NCR through 17 August, but the bigger story is what the showers are not fixing: Anand Vihar's AQI of 214 sits in the 'poor' category even as the Southwest Monsoon stays active across northern India — a reminder that Delhi's air crisis does not take a monsoon holiday.
Key Takeaways
Delhi-NCR will see cloudy skies, drizzle, and moderate rain on 12 August , continuing through 17 August .
Temperatures will range between 29°C (min) and 36°C (max) in New Delhi .
Noida and Ghaziabad face heavy showers, thunderstorms, and lightning.
Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI of 214 (poor category); most other stations were in the satisfactory-to-moderate range.
The IMD has flagged very heavy rainfall for East Rajasthan and intense showers across Haryana , Punjab , Himachal Pradesh , and northeastern states.
Delhi and the broader National Capital Region (NCR) are set for a wet Wednesday, 12 August, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting generally cloudy skies, light drizzle, and moderate spells of rain through the afternoon, evening, and night. Temperatures are expected to stay between 29°C and 36°C, offering partial respite from the season's persistent humidity — though air quality continues to lag, with Anand Vihar logging a hazardous AQI of 214.
Weather Forecast for Delhi-NCR
The IMD has forecast light rain or drizzle across New Delhi for most of the day, with heavier activity expected from afternoon onward. Rainfall is likely to persist in the capital through 17 August, keeping conditions overcast for the better part of the week. Winds will remain largely calm, averaging around 1.67 kmph from the north, with occasional gusts up to 5.28 kmph. Sunrise is at 5:48 am and sunset at 7:03 pm.
Heavy Showers Alert for Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram
Neighbouring NCR cities face more intense conditions. Noida and Ghaziabad may experience heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Faridabad and Gurugram are also expected to remain overcast for most of the day, with significant rainfall likely. Residents in these zones have been advised to remain alert to sudden weather changes.
Southwest Monsoon Active Across Northern India
The broader monsoon picture remains vigorous. The IMD has confirmed that the Southwest Monsoon will stay active over Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, driving widespread rainfall across northern, western, and central India. East Rajasthan is on alert for very heavy rainfall, while intense showers are expected across Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, western Uttar Pradesh, western Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and parts of Odisha. Isolated heavy rain is also forecast for Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, West Rajasthan, and northeastern states including Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Nagaland.
Air Quality Remains Poor Despite Rain
Despite the rainfall, Delhi's air quality stayed in the 'poor' category on Wednesday. Anand Vihar recorded the highest Air Quality Index (AQI) at 214. Most other monitoring stations reported readings in the satisfactory-to-moderate range: Pusa (83), Chandni Chowk (98), IGI Airport Terminal 3 (92), Commonwealth Sports Complex (76), JNU (66), Alipur (59), North Campus DU (105), R K Puram (102), ITO (89), DTU (66), Jahangirpuri (97), and Patparganj (73). The persistence of poor air quality even during active monsoon conditions underscores the structural pollution challenge Delhi faces year-round.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
Rainfall activity is forecast to continue in Delhi-NCR at least until 17 August, keeping temperatures suppressed but humidity elevated. Commuters should anticipate waterlogging in low-lying areas and reduced visibility during heavy spells. With the monsoon remaining active across a wide swath of northern India, conditions are unlikely to ease significantly before mid-August.
Point of View
When wet deposition should be scrubbing particulates, points to persistent local emission sources that rainfall alone cannot neutralise. Delhi's air-quality problem is not seasonal; it is structural. The monsoon provides political cover every August, but the underlying trajectory — visible the moment rains ease — remains unchanged. Policymakers would do well to treat a monsoon-season AQI of 214 as a floor, not a ceiling.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather forecast for Delhi on 12 August?
The IMD has forecast generally cloudy skies with light rain or drizzle across Delhi on 12 August, and moderate rainfall is expected during the afternoon, evening, and night. Temperatures will range between 29°C and 36°C, with calm northerly winds averaging 1.67 kmph.
How long will the rain continue in Delhi-NCR?
According to the IMD, rainfall activity in Delhi is likely to persist until at least 17 August. The Southwest Monsoon remains active over the region, keeping overcast and wet conditions in place for much of the coming week.
Which NCR cities are on alert for heavy rain?
Noida and Ghaziabad are expected to receive heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Faridabad and Gurugram are also forecast to remain overcast with significant rainfall through the day.
What is Delhi's air quality index today?
Delhi's air quality remained in the 'poor' category on 12 August. Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 214, while most other monitoring stations — including Pusa (83), Chandni Chowk (98), and IGI Airport Terminal 3 (92) — reported satisfactory to moderate levels.
Which other states are affected by heavy monsoon rain?
The IMD has flagged very heavy rainfall for East Rajasthan and intense showers for Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, western Uttar Pradesh, western Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and parts of Odisha. Isolated heavy rain is also expected in Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, and northeastern states including Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Nagaland.
