The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi on Tuesday and Wednesday, when moderate showers are expected. After light rain on Saturday, the city is forecast to receive very light to light rainfall on Sunday and Monday, with precipitation increasing midweek. A yellow alert signals the need to stay alert to potentially disruptive weather, including localised waterlogging and traffic delays.
Despite recent rain, temperatures in Delhi have continued to climb. At Safdarjung, the city’s primary weather station, Saturday’s minimum temperature reached 27.7°C, slightly above the seasonal average and higher than the previous day. The maximum rose to 36°C, more than a degree above normal. Other monitoring points, including Palam and Lodhi Road, also reported higher-than-usual minimum temperatures. Palam’s maximum was 33.8°C, while Ayanagar’s minimum rose by more than a degree compared with Friday.
Rainfall over the past 24 hours varied across the capital. Safdarjung recorded 1 mm early Saturday, while Palam saw 2.6 mm, divided between morning and afternoon. Lodhi Road registered 1.9 mm overnight, and Najafgarh, Janakpuri and Naraina received between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm at various times. The scattered showers brought some relief but did not reverse the upward trend in temperatures.
The IMD expects surface winds of 20 to 30 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 40 km/h, alongside the light rain forecast for Sunday and Monday. Maximum temperatures are expected to stay between 33°C and 35°C, while minimums are likely to range from 25°C to 27°C. The yellow alert for Tuesday and Wednesday signals a shift to moderate rainfall, which could bring temporary disruptions and higher humidity.
Forecasts for northwest India also point to a broader shift toward unsettled conditions. A Times of India report dated October 22 said the IMD expected isolated to scattered rainfall in Delhi-NCR on October 24 and 25, with rain also possible in Punjab and Haryana. Down To Earth described the late-week outlook for Delhi and neighbouring areas as bringing thunderstorms and lightning, with winds of 30-40 km/h and gusts that could reach 50 km/h in some locations. Forecasts published around October 20 had instead anticipated dry conditions in Delhi through October 22, showing how the outlook shifted over successive days.
Delhi’s air quality also remains under observation. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 73 on Saturday morning, placing the city in the ‘satisfactory’ category. That was slightly higher than Friday’s reading of 70. Under CPCB standards, AQI values between 51 and 100 are considered satisfactory, while higher levels indicate moderate to severe pollution.
Weather patterns across India have varied significantly this season. In southeast Spain, authorities have also issued warnings for storms and extreme temperatures, as recent coverage of severe storms and hail impacting Valencia and Murcia highlights. Cities face broader challenges in managing unpredictable weather and its effects on daily life.
Delhi’s forecast reflects a monsoon transition, with heat and rain alternating. The IMD’s yellow alert advises residents and authorities to remain vigilant, as moderate rainfall can lead to localized flooding and traffic delays. Air quality and temperature trends will continue to be monitored in the days ahead.
