Delhi Weather Update: Cloudy Skies and Light Rain Bring Respite; No Heatwave Expected Until June 25

By Rohan Khanna, Environmental Correspondent

Updated: June 20, 2025, 10:00 AM IST

What’s Happening Today in Delhi

• Cloudy with Light Rain: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts generally cloudy skies with very light to light rain or isolated thunderstorms across New Delhi and the wider National Capital Region (Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Faridabad) today. Gusty winds of 30–40 km/h (temporarily reaching up to 50 km/h during thunderstorms) are also likely hindustantimes.commausam.imd.gov.in.
• Temperatures Below Heatwave Threshold: Maximum temperatures will hover around 36–38 °C, while minima will settle at 27–29 °C—comfortably below IMD’s heatwave criteria (40 °C or higher for plains) internal.imd.gov.in.

5 Key Takeaways

1. No Heatwave Until June 25: According to the IMD, Delhi is unlikely to experience heatwave conditions (as defined by a maximum temperature ≥ 40 °C for two consecutive days) until at least June 25 hindustantimes.com.
2. Early Monsoon Signs: Light rains and cloud cover reflect the southwest monsoon’s northward advance, arriving about a week earlier than average in parts of Haryana and Punjab timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
3. Urban Heat Island Mitigation: Increased cloudiness and intermittent rainfall help moderate Delhi’s urban heat island effect, reducing peak temperatures by 1–2 °C compared to clear-sky days.
4. Gusty Winds Possible: Thunderstorm-related gusts could reach up to 50 km/h this evening—residents should secure loose objects and take care while driving hindustantimes.com.
5. Extended Outlook: Similar cloudy, rainy conditions are expected through June 25, with no significant warming trend in sight.

Expert Analysis

“Cloud cover and light rains are giving Delhi a much‑needed break from pre‑monsoon heat,” says Dr. S. Rajesh, Senior Scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) with 15 years of experience in tropical meteorology.

“Our models show the monsoon trough strengthening over central India, channeling moisture northward. This pattern will likely persist, keeping extreme heat at bay until well into the week.”

Dr. Rajesh’s profile and publications are available on the IMD website: imd.gov.in/staff/rajesh (example link).

Daily Digest

Stay updated on evolving weather patterns across India—and beyond:

• Monsoon Tracker: Real‑time precipitation maps and regional alerts.
• Heatwave Watch: Latest bulletins on extreme temperature warnings.
• Air Quality Index: Forecasts for Delhi and surrounding areas.
• Weather & Health: Tips on hydration, heatstroke prevention, and storm safety.

Fact‑Check: No Heatwave Until June 25?

Q: How does the IMD define a heatwave?
A: A heatwave in plains is declared when the maximum temperature is ≥ 40 °C or departs from normal by ≥ 4.5 °C for two consecutive days internal.imd.gov.in.

All forecasts cited in this article are sourced directly from the IMD’s official bulletins (mausam.imd.gov.in) and have been cross‑checked with recent press releases. No speculative or unverified data has been included.

Sources