Delhi-NCR May See Rain, Thunderstorms This Weekend: IMD

New Delhi: Residents of Delhi-NCR could see a wet and cooler weekend as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds across the region.

According to the latest IMD forecast, Saturday, September 26, is likely to bring light to moderate rain in Delhi, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds that could reach 40-50 kmph. The weather office has also forecast rain and thunderstorm activity for Sunday, September 27.

Why is rain returning after monsoon withdrawal?

The fresh spell of rain is linked to a depression over northeast Madhya Pradesh and adjoining north Chhattisgarh, which is moving north-northwestwards towards southeast Uttar Pradesh and is expected to weaken gradually. The system is influencing weather conditions across northern and central parts of the country.

The return of showers does not mean the southwest monsoon has returned to Delhi. The IMD had declared the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from Delhi on September 23, two days ahead of its normal withdrawal date. Separate weather systems can continue to produce rainfall even after the monsoon withdrawal has been declared.

Thunderstorms and strong winds likely

The IMD's New Delhi-Ridge forecast indicates moderate rain and thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds on Saturday. Winds could reach 40-50 kmph during different parts of the day. Similar cloudy and rainy conditions are expected on Sunday, while lighter rain may continue into Monday.

Neighbouring NCR areas could also see unsettled weather. The IMD's Gurgaon forecast, for example, indicates spells of rain or thundershowers on September 26 and 27, along with warnings for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and strong surface winds.

Temperature likely to remain moderate

The rain and cloud cover are expected to keep temperatures relatively subdued compared with the hotter conditions often seen in late September. Delhi's Safdarjung forecast puts the maximum temperature around 33°C on Saturday, with conditions expected to remain cloudy and wet.

The broader weather forecast suggests rainfall activity will gradually ease after the weekend, although isolated showers could persist in parts of the NCR on Monday.

Residents advised to stay alert

With thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in the forecast, residents are advised to monitor official weather updates and exercise caution during periods of lightning or strong winds. Commuters should also remain alert to possible waterlogging and traffic disruption in vulnerable areas.

The latest forecast indicates that the weekend weather will remain unsettled across Delhi-NCR before conditions gradually become drier later in the week.