The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast partly cloudy skies over Delhi-NCR on Tuesday, 16 June, with the likelihood of very light to light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Strong surface winds are also expected to sweep the region, reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph, with gusts occasionally touching 60 kmph.

Temperature Outlook

Daytime temperatures are likely to remain between 37 and 39 degrees Celsius, while night-time lows may settle in the 26–28 degrees Celsius range. The shifting weather pattern is expected to offer periodic relief from the intense summer heat that has gripped the national capital in recent days.

What Triggered the Change

The weather shift follows a noticeable change on Monday, when several parts of New Delhi received showers accompanied by dust storms and strong winds. An active western disturbance moving across northwestern India is driving the current spell, contributing to cooler conditions and overcast skies. Meteorologists noted that as the system gradually advances eastward, rainfall intensity is expected to taper — shifting from widespread heavy showers to lighter, more scattered precipitation.

Rainfall Likely to Continue Until June 19

According to weather officials, light to moderate rainfall activity is expected to persist across the plains, including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, and western Uttar Pradesh, through 19 June. Isolated to scattered showers will keep temperatures in check over this period. This is broadly consistent with the seasonal pattern seen when western disturbances interact with pre-monsoon moisture over north India.

Air Quality Remains Moderate

Despite the rainfall, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the 'moderate' category on Monday. Station-wise readings included 164 at Anand Vihar, 143 at Bawana, 152 at Burari Crossing, 137 at Chandni Chowk, 132 at DTU, 187 at Dwarka Sector-8, 174 at IIT Delhi, 132 at ITO, 159 at Narela, 151 at Pusa, 157 at R.K. Puram, 167 at Sonia Vihar, and 185 at Wazirpur. Notably, Dwarka Sector-8 and Wazirpur recorded readings approaching the upper threshold of the moderate band, which ranges from 101 to 200.

What Residents Should Expect

Weather authorities have issued advisories urging residents to stay indoors during periods of gusty winds and lightning. As the western disturbance moves on, conditions are expected to gradually stabilise, though intermittent showers may continue through the week. The onset of the southwest monsoon over Delhi — typically expected around late June — remains on track, according to seasonal forecasts.