IMD issues thunderstorm alert in 20 states; Delhi-NCR to see light rain today
Synopsis
India's weather regulator has simultaneously issued a light-rain forecast for Delhi-NCR and slapped thunderstorm alerts on 20 states — a sign that the monsoon, even as it prepares to exit around 19 September, is going out with a final burst. A 15 per cent cumulative rainfall deficit and a slightly delayed withdrawal make this week's weather particularly consequential for kharif crop assessments.
Key Takeaways
IMD forecast light rain in Delhi-NCR on 15 September 2026 , with cloudy skies and temperatures between 32°C–34°C (max) and 23°C–25°C (min).
Thunderstorm, lightning, and rain alerts issued for 20 states , including UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and West Bengal.
Gusty winds of up to 60 kmph expected in some areas; residents advised to exercise caution.
Southwest monsoon withdrawal expected to begin around 19 September from west Rajasthan — slightly later than the normal date of 17 September .
India's cumulative seasonal rainfall deficit stands at 15 per cent , with western, southern, and northeastern districts most affected.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on 15 September 2026 forecast light rainfall over Delhi-NCR through the forenoon and afternoon, with generally cloudy skies expected to persist. Simultaneously, the department issued thunderstorm and lightning alerts covering 20 states across the country, warning of gusty winds reaching up to 60 kmph in some areas.
Delhi Weather Outlook
The maximum temperature in the national capital is expected to hover between 32°C and 34°C, while the minimum is likely to settle in the 23°C–25°C range. IMD described conditions as 'generally cloudy' with isolated spells of very light to light rain possible between the forenoon and afternoon hours. Authorities have advised residents to exercise caution during periods of adverse weather, particularly when gusty winds are active.
States Under Alert
The weather warning covers a broad swathe of the country. States and regions under the thunderstorm and rainfall alert include Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, among others. The wide geographic spread of the alert reflects the final burst of monsoon activity before the seasonal retreat begins.
Monsoon Withdrawal on the Horizon
IMD indicated on Monday that the southwest monsoon is likely to begin its retreat from the country around 19 September, commencing from west Rajasthan. The normal withdrawal date for that region is 17 September, while last year the process began on 14 September — making this year's departure slightly delayed. Despite the impending withdrawal, several parts of the west and northwest regions and the southern peninsula are expected to witness increased rainfall activity through the week.
Rainfall Deficit and Broader Impact
The country's cumulative rainfall deficit currently stands at 15 per cent, according to IMD data. Several districts in western, southern, and northeastern regions continue to record deficient rainfall this season. Notably, the situation has improved slightly compared to previous weeks as monsoon activity — though weakening — extended its reach across multiple states. The deficit figure will be a key input for kharif crop assessment over the coming weeks, with agricultural officials monitoring ground moisture levels closely.
What to Watch This Week
Weather conditions across India are expected to remain variable through the week, with rain on certain days and relatively dry conditions on others. The transition period between an active monsoon and its formal withdrawal typically produces this kind of uneven pattern. Citizens in alert zones are advised to stay updated with local IMD bulletins, avoid open spaces during thunderstorms, and secure loose outdoor objects given the forecast for high-speed winds.
Point of View
And a delayed retreat — even by two days — does not automatically compensate for cumulative shortfalls in the districts that matter most for food production. The 20-state alert also highlights how the tail end of the monsoon can still pack a punch: infrastructure in smaller cities and towns, where drainage systems are already overwhelmed, remains exposed well into the withdrawal phase. IMD's advisory about 60 kmph gusts is a practical warning that often goes unheeded until damage is done.
NationPress
15 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it rain in Delhi-NCR today, 15 September 2026?
Yes, IMD has forecast generally cloudy conditions with isolated spells of very light to light rain in Delhi-NCR between the forenoon and afternoon of 15 September 2026. Temperatures are expected to range from 23°C to 34°C through the day.
Which states are under IMD thunderstorm alert today?
IMD has issued thunderstorm and rainfall alerts for 20 states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, among others.
When will the southwest monsoon withdraw from India in 2026?
IMD has indicated the southwest monsoon is likely to begin withdrawing around 19 September 2026, starting from west Rajasthan. The normal withdrawal date for the region is 17 September; last year the process began on 14 September.
What is India's monsoon rainfall deficit this season?
India's cumulative seasonal rainfall deficit currently stands at 15 per cent, according to IMD data. Districts in western, southern, and northeastern regions have recorded the most significant shortfalls this season.
How fast could winds get during the thunderstorms?
IMD has warned that gusty winds could reach speeds of up to 60 kmph in some areas during the thunderstorm spells. Authorities have advised residents to stay cautious and avoid open spaces during adverse weather periods.
