The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued widespread rain warnings for multiple states, including a yellow alert for Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh today. Mumbai is also under a yellow alert from the IMD. As the monsoon clouds intensify, frequent showers are expected to drench Delhi and various parts of central India.

A yellow alert is in effect throughout the day, forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and possible thunderstorms in areas such as Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Faridabad and Lucknow.

In its advisory, IMD warns of a moderate thunderstorm, accompanied by intense lightning, especially in open areas. The alert highlights possible traffic snarls and delays to flights and trains. It also cautions against risks to livestock and individuals working outdoors. Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid non-essential travel, and unplug electrical devices during the storm to prevent lightning-related damage.

Northern and central India

Other northern regions, including Jharkhand, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, are under yellow to orange alerts. These areas can expect frequent showers, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong surface winds.

Delhi’s monsoon snapshot

Although the monsoon has not officially arrived in Delhi yet, pre-monsoon showers are providing much-needed respite. June rainfall in Delhi has already exceeded the average monthly total by about 18%. These rains have also improved air quality significantly, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) moving into the ‘satisfactory’ range after a prolonged period of ‘poor’ conditions.

Delhi’s air quality improves to ‘satisfactory’ 

Delhi breathed a sigh of relief on Thursday as its air quality showed marked improvement, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) slipping into the ‘satisfactory’ category. As per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI was recorded at 99 at 8 am on June 19, a notable rise from 80 the previous day. The improvement follows several days of ‘poor’ air quality in the capital.

According to CPCB standards, an AQI of 0–50 is considered ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’, and 401–500 ‘severe’.

Residents are urged to exercise caution during thunderstorms. Avoid open spaces, tree cover, and metal structures, and unplug electrical appliances during lightning. Waterlogging and traffic disruptions are likely in low-lying and poorly drained areas, similar to recent conditions in Gurgaon and Delhi’s outskirts.

The southwest monsoon continues to advance, covering more regions as per IMD reports. It is expected to move further northward over the next 2–3 days, bringing relief to areas still enduring pre-monsoon heat.