What time will the Moon rise tonight? Weather could play spoilsport on Karwa Chauth

The Moon is expected to rise at 8:11 pm on October 29 as Karwa Chauth devotees await its sighting. Cloudy skies and rain may hinder visibility across Delhi-NCR and neighbouring regions.

In Short

• Rain spells of varying intensity are expected across north India
• Two western disturbances are influencing the region's unsettled atmospheric conditions
• A cyclonic circulation extends 0.9 km above mean sea level

Karwa Chauth fasting could face a weather-related hurdle this year, with cloudy skies and spells of rain likely across Delhi-NCR, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and Chandigarh on Thursday, raising concerns over moon sighting in the evening.

According to the latest weather update, frequent spells of rain of varying intensity are expected to continue through the day, accompanied by overcast conditions.

These clouds could obstruct the view of the Moon during the crucial evening hours, potentially making it difficult for women observing the fast to complete the traditional ritual.

WHY IS DELHI-NCR LIKELY TO REMAIN CLOUDY?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed the unsettled weather to a cyclonic circulation over Haryana and adjoining Uttar Pradesh, extending up to around 0.9 km above mean sea level.

A western disturbance over north Pakistan and neighbouring areas is also influencing the atmospheric conditions. Another western disturbance over Jammu and adjoining areas has merged with this system, contributing to the broader weather pattern.

These interacting systems are expected to maintain cloudy skies and bring spells of rain across parts of north India.

Maximum temperatures are also forecast to fall by 2–4 degrees Celsius over the next two days before rising by 2–3 degrees Celsius thereafter.

WHAT TIME WILL THE MOON RISE TONIGHT?

The Moon is expected to rise at around 8:11 pm in the evening, according to the astronomical timings provided for October 29. However, moonrise does not guarantee visibility, particularly when thick cloud cover blankets the sky.

The Moon is currently in its waning gibbous phase, with approximately 86.6 per cent of its visible surface illuminated. While the lunar phase itself is favourable for a bright Moon, local weather conditions will determine whether it can be seen from the ground.

WHAT IF THE MOON IS NOT VISIBLE?

Moon sighting is an important part of Karwa Chauth, traditionally marking the end of the day's fast. Women generally break their fast after sighting the Moon and performing the associated rituals.

However, thick cloud cover can make the Moon invisible even after it has risen above the horizon. The forecast therefore suggests that visibility could be the biggest challenge for devotees in Delhi-NCR and neighbouring regions this evening.

Those observing the fast should monitor local weather updates through the evening and consult their family traditions or religious guidance if clouds prevent a direct sighting.

For now, the outlook remains unfavourable for clear moon viewing across parts of north India, although actual visibility will depend on how cloud cover and rainfall evolve locally.

- Ends