IMD forecasts thunderstorms, lightning for Delhi-NCR on September 16
Synopsis
The IMD has put Delhi-NCR and a broad swathe of northwest India on alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall on 16 September, with the wet spell forecast to last into Thursday. From Uttarakhand's hill districts to Rajasthan's plains, and from Bihar to Kerala, an active monsoon pattern is keeping much of the country under cloud cover.
Key Takeaways
The IMD has forecast thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rain across Delhi-NCR on 16 September 2026 .
Isolated heavy rainfall alerts are in place for Haryana , Chandigarh , Delhi , Punjab , and Uttarakhand .
Wet conditions are expected to persist into Thursday, 17 September , with fairly widespread rainfall forecast across northwest India.
Lightning and thunderstorm warnings have also been issued for Bihar , Odisha , Rajasthan , Himachal Pradesh , and Uttar Pradesh .
Heavy rain is additionally forecast at isolated places over Andaman and Nicobar Islands , Arunachal Pradesh , Kerala , and Tamil Nadu on 16 September .
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms, lightning, and spells of heavy rain across Delhi-NCR and large parts of northwest India on Wednesday, 16 September, as the region braces for another day of unsettled weather. Isolated areas in Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Punjab are on alert for heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds.
What the IMD Has Forecast
The IMD has warned of thunderstorms with lightning at isolated locations in Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, and Uttarakhand. Rather than continuous rainfall, weather officials indicate the pattern will feature short, intense spells accompanied by gusty winds. The wet spell is expected to persist into Thursday, 17 September, with fairly widespread to widespread rainfall projected across Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Punjab over the two-day period.
State-by-State Weather Outlook
Bihar is likely to see rain and thunderstorm activity on Wednesday, with gusty winds possible at several locations. Odisha faces partly cloudy skies with thunderstorms and lightning warnings across multiple districts. In Rajasthan, the IMD has issued thunderstorm and lightning warnings for both East and West Rajasthan, with conditions shifting from partly sunny skies to increased cloud cover and rain.
Himachal Pradesh will remain partly cloudy, with scattered afternoon showers and unsettled conditions in some hill areas. Haryana can expect morning thunderstorms followed by thundery showers in the afternoon. Uttar Pradesh may witness light morning rain and brief afternoon showers, with isolated thunderstorms prompting authorities to urge caution. Uttarakhand's hill districts face warnings of intense to very intense rainfall spells alongside lightning.
Rain Across the Rest of India
The IMD has also flagged heavy rainfall at isolated places over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya, Kerala, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on 16 September. The broad geographic spread signals an active monsoon pattern over much of the country.
What Residents Should Keep in Mind
With lightning warnings in effect across several states, the IMD has advised residents — particularly in hill districts and open areas — to stay indoors during thunderstorm activity and avoid sheltering under trees. Gusty winds could disrupt outdoor activities and affect traffic conditions in Delhi-NCR. Authorities in flood-prone districts of Uttarakhand and Bihar have been asked to remain on standby. The monsoon's extended wet run in northern India this season has already kept cumulative rainfall above normal in several of these states.
Point of View
Disrupt supply chains, and raise flood risk in already saturated hill districts of Uttarakhand and Bihar. The lightning warnings deserve particular attention; India records some of the highest lightning fatality numbers in the world, yet public awareness campaigns remain patchy and under-resourced.
NationPress
16 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What weather is expected in Delhi-NCR on 16 September 2026?
Delhi-NCR is expected to remain partly cloudy with thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rain at isolated places on 16 September 2026, according to the IMD. Gusty winds are also likely during short, intense spells rather than continuous rainfall.
Which states are under IMD heavy rainfall or thunderstorm warning today?
The IMD has issued heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings for Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Odisha, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh on 16 September. Heavy rain is also forecast at isolated places over Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
How long will the wet weather last in northwest India?
The IMD has forecast continued wet conditions through at least Thursday, 17 September, with fairly widespread to widespread rainfall expected across Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Punjab over the two-day period. Isolated heavy rainfall spells are also possible during this window.
What precautions should residents take during the thunderstorm alert?
The IMD advises residents to stay indoors during active thunderstorm periods, avoid open fields and tall trees, and exercise caution during sudden downpours and gusty winds. Residents in hill districts of Uttarakhand and flood-prone areas of Bihar are especially advised to stay alert.
Why is the monsoon still active in northern India in mid-September?
An active late-monsoon weather system is maintaining cloudy and wet conditions across northwest India through mid-September 2026. According to the IMD, the pattern is consistent with above-normal cumulative rainfall in several of these states this season, keeping atmospheric conditions unstable.
