Delhi rain brings heat relief on May 4; AQI stays moderate
Synopsis
Delhi's Monday morning rain snapped a punishing heat streak, pulling temperatures into the 32–34°C range — well below seasonal norms. The IMD's May outlook adds a bigger picture: India is heading into an above-average rainfall month, even as heatwave risks linger in pockets from Gujarat to the Himalayan foothills.
Key Takeaways
Widespread rainfall hit New Delhi on 4 May 2025 , breaking a recent intense heat spell.
IMD forecasts intermittent rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds of 40–60 kmph through the day.
Maximum temperatures expected between 32°C and 34°C ; night temperatures between 22°C and 24°C .
May rainfall across India projected to exceed 110% of the long-period average, per IMD's monthly outlook.
Delhi's AQI remained in the moderate category, ranging from 85 (JNU) to 142 (Wazirpur) .
IMD warned of increased heatwave days in parts of Gujarat , Maharashtra , the eastern coastline , and Himalayan foothills .
Residents of New Delhi woke up to widespread rainfall on Monday, 4 May, offering long-awaited relief from a recent spell of intense heat. The showers follow similar weather over the weekend, which helped push temperatures below the 40-degree Celsius mark.
Weather Forecast for the Day
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the capital is expected to see a generally cloudy day with intermittent light rain, thunderstorms, and lightning. Gusty winds are likely in the range of 40–50 kmph, occasionally peaking at 60 kmph, particularly during morning hours. A second round of showers is also anticipated in the evening.
Daytime temperatures are forecast to remain lower than seasonal norms, with the maximum expected between 32°C and 34°C. Night temperatures are likely to settle in the 22°C–24°C range.
IMD's Monthly Outlook for May
In its monthly forecast, the IMD indicated that India is likely to experience above-average rainfall through May. Maximum temperatures across many regions are expected to remain normal or slightly below normal. However, parts of southern peninsular India, the northeast, and the northwest may see higher-than-usual daytime temperatures. Night temperatures are predicted to remain above normal across large parts of the country, though some pockets in northwest and central India may record relatively cooler nights.
The department has also cautioned about an increased number of heatwave days in select areas, including parts of the Himalayan foothills, the eastern coastline, and states such as Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Rainfall Projection Above Long-Period Average
Overall rainfall for May is projected to exceed 110 per cent of the long-period average, according to the IMD. However, some eastern and northeastern regions could receive below-normal rainfall during the same period. This above-average projection, if sustained, could provide meaningful respite to farmers and urban residents bracing for a harsh summer.
Delhi Air Quality Index Readings
Despite the rainfall, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'moderate' category on Monday, with AQI readings ranging from 85 to 142 across various monitoring stations. Station-wise readings were as follows: Ashok Vihar (121), Bawana (124), Burari Crossing (127), DTU (108), Dwarka-Sector 8 (122), IGI Airport (100), IIT Delhi (99), JNU (85), North Campus (114), Pusa (103), Sonia Vihar (126), and Wazirpur (142).
Notably, JNU recorded the cleanest air at 85, while Wazirpur logged the highest reading at 142, still within the moderate band. With further rain expected through the day, air quality could improve marginally by Tuesday.
Point of View
But it should not obscure the IMD's more cautious national picture. Above-average May rainfall is a statistical aggregate — the same forecast flags elevated heatwave risk in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the Himalayan foothills, regions that are simultaneously drought-prone and heat-vulnerable. For Delhi specifically, the moderate AQI range of 85–142 during rainfall is a reminder that the city's air quality baseline has shifted: what once counted as 'good' is now the ceiling on a wet day. The real test comes when the rains pause and construction and traffic emissions reassert themselves.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did it rain in Delhi on 4 May 2025?
The IMD attributed the rainfall to a weather system bringing cloudy skies, thunderstorms, and gusty winds to the capital. The showers followed similar weekend weather that had already pushed temperatures below 40°C.
What is Delhi's temperature forecast for today?
The IMD expects maximum temperatures between 32°C and 34°C on 4 May — lower than seasonal norms. Night temperatures are forecast in the 22°C–24°C range, with another round of rain likely in the evening.
What is Delhi's AQI today and what does it mean?
Delhi's AQI ranged from 85 to 142 across monitoring stations on 4 May, placing it in the 'moderate' category. An AQI between 101 and 200 is considered moderate, meaning sensitive groups may experience mild discomfort.
What does the IMD's May 2025 rainfall outlook say?
The IMD's monthly outlook projects India's May rainfall to exceed 110% of the long-period average. However, some eastern and northeastern regions may receive below-normal rain, and heatwave risks remain elevated in parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, the eastern coastline, and Himalayan foothills.
Which Delhi area had the worst air quality on 4 May?
Wazirpur recorded the highest AQI of 142, while JNU logged the lowest at 85 — both within the moderate band. All 12 monitoring stations reported readings between 85 and 142 on Monday.
