Delhi Weather Alert: Red Warning as Heavy Rain, Lightning Lash Capital; Orange Alert for Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad
Delhi Weather Update, August 24, 2026: Delhi was placed under a red weather warning on Monday as heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds affected several parts of the national capital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) initially issued a warning for parts of Delhi until 2:10 pm, but its updated district-wise nowcast extended the red-warning areas across the capital.
Neighbouring parts of the National Capital Region, including Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad, were under an orange alert.
The IMD warned of intense rainfall, with some affected areas expected to receive more than 15 mm of rain per hour, along with thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds.
Delhi under red warning as heavy rain hits
According to the IMD’s district-wise nowcast warning issued Monday morning, East Delhi was initially among the areas under a red warning for heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning.
The warning also indicated winds of around 30–40 km/h in the affected area.
An updated IMD warning subsequently expanded the red-warning areas to cover the entire national capital.
The initial warning was valid until 2:10 pm, while the later update indicated that the red warning would remain in place for Delhi for longer.
The weather system brought multiple spells of rain to the capital, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
What does the red warning mean?
An IMD red warning indicates the possibility of very intense weather requiring significant precaution and action.
For Monday, the warning was particularly important because of the combination of rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.
Residents in affected areas were advised to remain alert, particularly during periods of intense lightning and heavy rain.
Orange alert for Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram
The adverse weather was not limited to Delhi.
Several neighbouring NCR areas were placed under an orange alert, including:
Noida
Ghaziabad
Gurugram
Faridabad
These areas were also expected to experience spells of heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning.
The weather conditions could affect traffic, visibility and local movement, particularly during periods of intense rainfall.
Delhi may receive multiple spells of rain
The IMD forecast indicated that Delhi could receive multiple spells of rain on Monday.
However, the weather pattern was expected to change considerably from Tuesday.
The forecast suggested that most of the remainder of the week could be relatively dry, although some light rain remained possible during the middle of the week.
Delhi weather forecast from Tuesday
Tuesday:
Only the possibility of very light rain during the afternoon was forecast.
Wednesday:
Very light to light rain was expected at a few places before noon. Another spell of very light to light rain could occur from afternoon to evening, with moderate rain possible at isolated locations.
Thursday to Sunday:
The IMD forecast no rain for most areas, with partly cloudy skies likely to continue.
This indicates that Monday’s intense weather could be followed by a comparatively dry period.
Delhi’s August rainfall crosses monthly average
Monday’s rainfall pushed Delhi’s August rainfall total above its long-period average.
The Safdarjung weather station, which is considered representative of Delhi’s weather, recorded 3 mm of rainfall on Monday.
With this addition, Delhi’s total rainfall for August reached 246.3 mm.
The IMD’s long-period average rainfall for Delhi during August is 233.1 mm.
That means the capital had already received approximately 13 mm more than its August average.
How much rain is classified as heavy?
The IMD categorises rainfall into different intensity levels.
According to the information in the source:
Rainfall IMD Classification
Up to 15.5 mm Light
15.6–64.4 mm Moderate
64.5–115.5 mm Heavy
115.6–204.4 mm Very heavy
The Monday warning was therefore significant because some parts of Delhi were forecast to receive rainfall at rates exceeding 15 mm per hour, along with thunderstorms and lightning.
Why could Delhi turn dry after the rain?
Meteorologists cited the movement of the monsoon axis as one reason for the expected change in Delhi’s weather.
According to amateur meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya, the monsoon axis had been fluctuating and was mainly positioned near the Himalayan foothills.
The axis can move southwards during the night, which can contribute to rainfall in Delhi and surrounding regions. However, the forecast suggested that it would move more firmly towards the foothills from Tuesday.
As a result, Delhi could experience much drier weather through the remainder of August and potentially into early September, according to the expert quoted in the source.
Experts warn of scattered intense spells
Private weather forecaster Ashwary Tiwari also warned that rainfall could remain intense but scattered across parts of Delhi and the NCR.
The areas mentioned included:
East Delhi
South Delhi
Ghaziabad
Noida
Gurugram
Other neighbouring areas
The forecast also highlighted the possibility of loud lightning strikes and gusty winds.
This means that even if one neighbourhood experiences only limited rainfall, another part of the city or NCR could see a much stronger spell.
Delhi’s August rainfall compared with last year
The capital’s rainfall pattern this year is notably different from the previous year.
In August 2025, Delhi recorded 400.81 mm of rainfall between August 1 and August 31, according to the figures cited in the source.
In 2026, the city had already crossed its August long-period average by August 24.
The source also notes that Delhi crossed its August long-period average on August 15 last year after 11 days of rainfall.
What Delhi-NCR residents should watch for
With thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds forecast during intense spells, residents should remain cautious during periods of severe weather.
The most important concerns during such spells include:
Lightning strikes
Waterlogging
Reduced visibility
Difficult driving conditions
Falling branches
Strong winds
Traffic disruption
Localised flooding in low-lying areas
Commuters should particularly monitor official weather and traffic updates when heavy rain begins.
Delhi weather: What happens next?
Monday’s red warning represents the most significant period of weather activity in the immediate forecast.
From Tuesday, conditions are expected to become considerably drier, with only limited chances of light rain.
Wednesday could see isolated spells of light to moderate rain, but from Thursday through Sunday, the IMD forecast indicates no rain in most areas and partly cloudy conditions.
The changing weather is linked partly to the movement of the monsoon axis away from Delhi.
For now, however, residents across Delhi and parts of NCR should remain alert during thunderstorms and heavy rain, particularly because lightning and gusty winds can develop quickly.
Bottom line
Delhi is under a red weather warning as heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds affect the capital on August 24. The warning was initially issued for parts of Delhi until 2:10 pm before being expanded in the updated district-wise alert.
Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad are under an orange alert.
Delhi’s August rainfall has now reached 246.3 mm, exceeding the August long-period average of 233.1 mm.
The weather is expected to become largely dry from Tuesday, although light rain remains possible on Wednesday. The IMD forecast indicates no rain for most areas from Thursday through Sunday.
FAQs
What is the Delhi weather warning today?
The IMD has issued a red warning for Delhi amid heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.
Which NCR areas are under orange alert?
Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad are under an orange alert according to the supplied weather update.
How much rain has Delhi received in August 2026?
Delhi’s August rainfall had reached 246.3 mm by August 24, according to the source.
What is Delhi’s average August rainfall?
Delhi’s IMD long-period average rainfall for August is 233.1 mm.
Will Delhi receive rain on Tuesday?
Only the possibility of very light rain during the afternoon was forecast for Tuesday.
What is the weather forecast for Wednesday?
Very light to light rain is expected in some areas, with moderate rain possible at isolated locations.
Will it rain in Delhi later this week?
The supplied IMD forecast indicates no rain is expected from Thursday to Sunday, with partly cloudy skies likely.
Why is Delhi expected to become dry?
Experts cited the movement of the monsoon axis towards the Himalayan foothills as a factor behind the expected dry spell.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article is based on the weather information and forecasts contained in the supplied source. Weather conditions and official alerts can change rapidly. Readers should rely on the latest updates and warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department and local authorities for real-time information. Roy Daily Update does not guarantee the continuation of any particular weather warning or forecast.
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