Western disturbance brings rain, hailstorms to Delhi-NCR on Oct 15
Synopsis
A western disturbance is hammering North India with rain, hailstorms, and 60 kmph gusts on 15 October, even as the northeast monsoon simultaneously fires up over Tamil Nadu and Kerala. With the southwest monsoon still mid-retreat, India finds itself in a rare three-weather-system moment — and Delhi is right in the crosshairs.
Key Takeaways
A western disturbance is bringing rain, hailstorms, and winds of up to 60 kmph to Delhi-NCR , Haryana , Punjab , and Uttarakhand on 15 October 2026 .
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu , Puducherry , Karaikal , Kerala , and Mahe as the northeast monsoon activates.
The southwest monsoon withdrawal line on 14 October passed through Dhubri , Kolkata , Angul , Khammam , and Honavar .
Hailstorm alerts are in place for isolated areas of Delhi , Haryana , Punjab , Chandigarh , Uttarakhand , western UP , and eastern Rajasthan .
Delhi's air quality remains in the moderate category, with Alipur recording the highest AQI at 220 .
A western disturbance is actively influencing weather across North India on 15 October 2026, bringing rain, strong winds, and the possibility of hailstorms to Delhi-NCR and several neighbouring states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Punjab, even as Delhi's air quality remains in the moderate category.
Weather Forecast for Delhi-NCR and North India
Following scattered rainfall across Delhi-NCR on 14 October, the IMD expects further rain and thunderstorms on Thursday. Wind speeds of 40 to 50 kmph are likely across Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, and Uttarakhand, with gusts reaching up to 60 kmph in certain locations. Winds of 30 to 40 kmph are expected in parts of western Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Hailstorms are likely at isolated places in Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand, western Uttar Pradesh, and eastern Rajasthan. Thunderstorms and lightning are also anticipated across these regions. Rain and lightning remain possible in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and eastern Uttar Pradesh as well.
Northeast Monsoon Activates Over Southern India
Simultaneously, the northeast monsoon is set to become active over the southern peninsula from Thursday. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, and Mahe. Heavy rainfall is also expected at isolated places in coastal Andhra Pradesh and south interior Karnataka.
Thunderstorms and lightning are expected across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, and Mahe, signalling a spell of unsettled weather across much of the country. This transitional period — where the southwest monsoon retreats as the northeast monsoon advances — is a well-documented annual pattern, though the simultaneity of a western disturbance in the north amplifies the weather impact this week.
Southwest Monsoon Withdrawal Continues
The southwest monsoon is continuing its seasonal retreat. According to the IMD, the withdrawal line as of 14 October passed through Dhubri, Kolkata, Angul, Khammam, and Honavar. Conditions are becoming increasingly favourable for its withdrawal from additional areas of the country in the coming days.
The southwest monsoon typically brings rainfall to most parts of India between June and September. As it weakens and retreats, weather systems such as western disturbances and the northeast monsoon can influence different regions simultaneously, creating complex multi-zone weather patterns.
Delhi Air Quality in Moderate Category
Despite the rain activity, Delhi's air quality remained in the moderate category. Monitoring station readings on Thursday included: Alipur (220), Sirifort (217), Dwarka-Sector 8 (205), Chandni Chowk (200), Burari Crossing (179), Ghoga (146), Jharoda Kalan (152), Aya Nagar (162), Nangloi (138), and Tikri Kalan (113).
With the monsoon transition period underway, weather conditions across both North and South India are expected to remain unsettled over the next several days, according to the IMD.
Point of View
Where hailstorm infrastructure warnings rarely translate into timely public advisories.
NationPress
15 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it raining in Delhi-NCR in October 2026?
A western disturbance is currently influencing North India, bringing rain, strong winds, and hailstorms to Delhi-NCR and neighbouring states. The IMD had already recorded scattered rainfall in the region on 14 October, with more rain forecast for 15 October.
Which states face hailstorm warnings today?
The IMD has issued hailstorm alerts for isolated areas of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand, western Uttar Pradesh, and eastern Rajasthan. Wind gusts of up to 60 kmph are also expected in parts of these states.
Where is heavy rainfall expected in South India?
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, and Mahe as the northeast monsoon becomes active. Heavy rain is also likely at isolated places in coastal Andhra Pradesh and south interior Karnataka.
What is the current status of the southwest monsoon withdrawal?
The southwest monsoon is in active retreat. As of 14 October, the withdrawal line passed through Dhubri, Kolkata, Angul, Khammam, and Honavar, with conditions becoming favourable for further withdrawal in the coming days.
What is Delhi's air quality level today?
Delhi's air quality is in the moderate category on 15 October. Among monitoring stations, Alipur recorded the highest AQI at 220, while Tikri Kalan logged the lowest at 113. Other stations including Sirifort (217), Dwarka-Sector 8 (205), and Chandni Chowk (200) also returned moderate readings.
