Rain lashes Delhi-NCR, thunderstorms darken skies; IMD issues red alert

Delhi-NCR is in for another spell of wet weather, with heavy rain and thunderstorms continuing across parts of the region on Friday, September 4.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for heavy rainfall for parts of Delhi-NCR, signalling that the situation could turn intense over short periods.The weather department has forecast spells of rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, with moderate to heavy rainfall particularly likely during the afternoon.The spell is expected to continue into the evening and night in some areas. UNTIL WHEN WILL HEAVY RAIN LAST?Delhi began the day under generally cloudy skies, and the weather is expected to remain unsettled through the day. (Source: IMD) At Safdarjung, the IMD has forecast a maximum temperature of around 32°C on Friday, with moderate rain likely. The local forecast also points to thunderstorms with lightning and moderate to heavy rainfall during the afternoon. The rain is not expected to end by Friday either.The IMD has forecast another day of heavy rain over the Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi region on Saturday, September 5.Delhi's local forecast also indicates moderate rain, with thunderstorms and lightning through different parts of the day.The warning is also relevant for the wider NCR.West Uttar Pradesh, which includes several NCR areas, is under a heavy-rain warning on September 4 and 5, according to the IMD.WHY IS IT RAINING SO HEAVILY IN DELHI?The current spell is linked to an active monsoon weather system over north-central India. IMD has said a well-marked low-pressure area over northeast Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas is producing significant rainfall over parts of central India.The system is expected to influence weather conditions as it persists over the region.For Delhi-NCR, the immediate outlook is therefore one of continued clouds, rain and thunderstorms through Saturday.The intensity is expected to ease after that, with the IMD currently showing no heavy-rain warning for the Delhi subdivision from September 6 onward, although light rain or drizzle could still occur.- EndsPublished On: Sep 4, 2026 16:04 IST