Monsoon pause to end: Cloudy weather to dominate Delhi-NCR, rain likely today

After temperatures climbed above normal, Delhi-NCR is likely to turn cloudy and rainy on Friday. Here's when and where it is likely to rain.

In Short

• Delhi-NCR to get rain and thunderstorms on Friday
• Thunderstorms possible in Haryana and Punjab too
• Rain likely to continue with cooler temps over weekend

Delhi-NCR is likely to get some relief from the recent dry spell on Friday, September 11, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting generally cloudy skies, rain and thunderstorms across the capital.

The maximum temperature is expected to remain between 32-34°C, while the minimum is likely to be around 27.4°C.

WHEN WILL IT RAIN IN DELHI-NCR?

The IMD forecast points to very light to light rain at many places, with one spell accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning from the forenoon to afternoon.

Another spell of very light to light rain is expected at many places from evening to night.

The ECMWF model guidance also points to a more active spell later in the day, with rain activity developing around Delhi-NCR and showers more likely during the afternoon and evening.

The model indicates the possibility of moderate rain in parts of Delhi-NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad and Ghaziabad.

Thunderstorms could also develop in isolated areas of the wider region, including parts of Haryana and Punjab.

The two forecasts are not necessarily contradictory as the IMD forecast describes the expected overall weather, while the ECMWF model offers additional guidance on how rainfall could evolve through the day.

TEMPERATURES WERE RISING

The return of rain comes after a mostly dry stretch in the capital, during which temperatures climbed.

On September 10, Safdarjung recorded a maximum temperature of 36.6°C, which was 3.1°C above normal. The minimum temperature was 27.4°C, or 1.8°C above normal.

No rain was recorded at Safdarjung in the 24 hours ending 8:30 am on September 11.

Across Delhi, maximum temperatures during the past 24 hours ranged from 35°C to 37°C, with some stations recording temperatures more than 3°C above normal.

WILL IT RAIN ON THE WEEKEND?

The wetter spell is expected to continue beyond Friday.

On Saturday, September 12, the IMD has forecast light rain at many places, with moderate rain at isolated places, under generally cloudy skies.

The maximum temperature is likely to be 30-32°C, while the minimum could fall to 24-26°C.

Very light to light rain is then expected on September 13, 14 and 15, although the intensity and coverage are forecast to remain lower.

During this period, daytime temperatures are likely to stay around 30-33°C.

For Delhi-NCR, that means Friday could mark the start of a cloudier and wetter spell, with thunderstorms during the day and another spell of rain expected in the evening and at night.

- Ends