NEW DELHI, March 18, 2026 — Several parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced heavy rain and thunderstorms on Wednesday, providing a significant shift in Delhi Air Quality and local temperatures. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast indicating that the region is likely to see continued rainfall and gusty winds throughout the remainder of the week.
What Authorities Said
IMD has attributed the current weather pattern to the influence of a fresh Western Disturbance. The meteorological office stated that “isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall” accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is expected to persist across Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh until at least March 22.
The article states that wind speeds during these thunderstorms could reach between 30 to 40 kmph. The IMD has advised residents to stay informed about weather warnings, as the gusty winds may cause minor disruptions to traffic and temporary structures. Additionally, the maximum temperature in the capital is expected to dip by 2–3 degrees Celsius due to the consistent cloud cover and precipitation.
What This Means for Residents
Based on the details provided in the report, the rain is expected to have a direct positive impact on the Delhi AQI, which had recently seen a decline into the “poor” category during February. The “washout effect” of the rain will help clear suspended particulate matter, potentially keeping air quality in the “satisfactory” or “moderate” range for the next few days.
Residents should prepare for the following:
- Commuting Delays: Waterlogging in low-lying areas and reduced visibility during heavy spells may affect peak-hour traffic.
- Temperature Drop: A noticeable cooling effect will persist, with minimum temperatures hovering around 14–16 degrees Celsius.
- Outdoor Safety: The IMD recommends staying indoors during lightning strikes and avoiding standing under tall trees or unstable hoardings during high-velocity winds.
The report highlights that this spell of rain is uncharacteristic for mid-March, which typically sees a steady rise in summer temperatures, but it provides a necessary reprieve from the rising dust levels in the NCR.
How long is the rain expected to last in Delhi?
According to the IMD, thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall are likely to continue intermittently through the end of the week, specifically until March 22.
What is causing this sudden change in weather?
The article states that the rain and gusty winds are the result of a fresh Western Disturbance affecting the Northwest Indian plains.
Will the rain help improve Delhi’s air quality?
Yes, the precipitation and gusty winds are expected to flush out pollutants, leading to a temporary improvement in AQI levels across the NCR.
What are the expected wind speeds during the thunderstorms?
The IMD has forecasted gusty winds with speeds reaching up to 30 to 40 kmph during the peak of the thunderstorm activity.
Nidhi Kapoor is an environmental journalist and air pollution monitoring expert with 8 years of experience. She specializes in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting air quality data to identify pollutant sources and their impact on public health. Through her investigative reporting, Nidhi develops insights and advocates for evidence-based solutions to reduce atmospheric contamination.