Delhi-NCR is seeing changing weather conditions on Thursday, September 17, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting generally cloudy conditions and the possibility of light to very light rainfall in parts of the national capital and neighbouring areas.
The weather outlook comes as monsoon activity continues over northern India. The IMD has forecast rainfall and thunderstorms in some parts of the country, and Delhi and surrounding regions are part of the overall weather system.
Delhi Weather Forecast for September 17
Given the recent IMD-related forecasts, Delhi-NCR could see very light to light showers during the day. The Week reported that the weather department had not ruled out very light rainfall in Delhi-NCR on Thursday, September 17.
The forecast does provide some respite from the recent fluctuation of temperature and humidity as well. Cloud cover and intermittent showers can temporarily bring down temperatures in those areas which are experiencing rainfall, though humidity will be noticeable.
The weather conditions can vary in Delhi and the National Capital Region. Areas like Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad can experience different rainfall intensity because of the movement of weather systems in the different parts of the area, depending on weather conditions and movement of local weather systems.
Rain and Thunderstorm Activity Across North India
The IMD’s latest national forecast indicates that between September 17 and September 22, rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are expected to affect several parts of India. Delhi is among the regions with unsettled weather during this period.
The weather is also affecting neighbouring northern states. The overall system has implications for Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and other parts of northwest India.
The India Meteorological Department has also indicated that the southwest monsoon is near its withdrawal phase in northwest India. The withdrawal is expected to begin around September 19, although rain and thunderstorm activity can continue before and during the transition.
What Delhi Residents Can Expect?
Residents can expect cloudy or partly cloudy conditions and rain from occasional showers but not continuous rainfall for the entire day. Localised weather can change quickly, particularly when thunderstorms occur.
If rains happen, people travelling across Delhi-NCR may want to be aware of sudden changes in road conditions if showers occur. Rainy weather can also affect traffic movement, especially during peak commuting hours.
The weather department's forecast is particularly relevant for commuters, outdoor workers, motorists, and people with outdoor plans. Even if rain is light, wet roads and reduced visibility during a shower can cause temporary travel disruption.
Monsoon Transition Underway
The latest forecast comes at a time when the southwest monsoon is gradually moving towards its withdrawal phase over northwest India. According to reports citing the IMD, the withdrawal is expected to begin around September 19, later than the normal withdrawal date of September 17.
But rain is not going away just because the withdrawal approaches. Weather systems can still develop showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds during the transition period.
Delhi has also experienced significant rainfall during the 2023 monsoon season. Recent reports state that the capital has recorded a seasonal rainfall surplus as of September 16, even though there has been a rainfall deficit in the whole northwest India region.
The contrast illustrates that rainfall can be quite different between individual cities and larger meteorological regions.
As a result, residents of Delhi and neighbouring NCR cities should be prepared for changing skies and possible light showers on Thursday and keep track of updated local weather advisories.
The weather is expected to gradually become drier as monsoon withdrawal continues, but isolated thunderstorms or showers may still occur in the region during the transition.
