After weeks of sweltering heat and rising pollution levels, residents of Delhi-NCR finally woke up to overcast skies, a cool breeze, and the soft pitter-patter of light rain. On June 24, 2025, this welcome weather shift has brought long-awaited relief from the intense summer that has gripped the northern plains for weeks. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had already predicted isolated rainfall and thunderstorms, and today’s change in weather has delivered on that promise.
In this blog, we delve into what this weather change means for Delhi-NCR, the science behind it, the implications for health and environment, traffic and infrastructure concerns, and what lies ahead in the coming weeks.
Weather Update: June 24, 2025
The IMD has reported light to moderate rainfall across various parts of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad. This rainfall has been coupled with cloudy skies, occasional winds ranging between 10–20 km/h, and a noticeable dip in temperature.
- Minimum temperature: Around 27°C
- Maximum temperature: Expected to remain below 35°C
- Humidity: Hovering between 60–80%
- Rainfall pattern: Isolated light showers across NCR; no reports of intense downpour as yet
- Visibility: Slightly reduced in early morning hours due to cloud cover and humidity
Why Is It Raining Now? — The Meteorological Science
According to the IMD, the recent rains are a result of:
- Western Disturbances: A fresh western disturbance has approached the Western Himalayan Region, influencing the northern plains and increasing the likelihood of showers.
- Pre-Monsoon Moisture: Moisture-laden easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal have been entering the Indo-Gangetic plains, causing cloud formation and localized rainfall.
- Temperature Clash: High ground temperatures over the past week created a conducive environment for convection, which leads to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds — the main agents of pre-monsoon showers.
The convergence of these climatic factors has led to the development of light rain and thundercloud activity.
Impact on Delhi-NCR Residents
🌡️ Relief from Heatwave
Temperatures in Delhi had been soaring past 43°C in recent weeks, making it nearly unbearable for outdoor workers, schoolchildren, and the elderly. Today’s showers have brought down the mercury by a significant margin, offering physical and psychological comfort to millions.
🏠 A Better Day Indoors and Outdoors
With milder temperatures, citizens are reporting:
- More comfortable indoor temperatures
- Reduction in use of air-conditioners and coolers
- Greater enthusiasm for morning walks and park outings
- A general improvement in public mood
Health Benefits of the Weather Shift
🌿 Improved Air Quality
The rain has helped settle dust particles and pollutants suspended in the air. Delhi’s AQI (Air Quality Index), which had remained in the “Poor” category, has now shown marginal improvement:
- PM2.5 levels have dropped by 20–30% in high-traffic zones
- AQI in many parts of Delhi-NCR has moved from Poor to Moderate
🩺 Fewer Heat-Related Ailments
With a drop in ambient temperature, hospitals report fewer cases of:
- Dehydration
- Heatstroke
- Skin rashes
- Fatigue-related fainting
However, the high humidity levels could lead to fungal infections and respiratory issues for people with asthma or sinus problems. Precautions should be taken.
How the Rain Affects City Life
🚗 Traffic Disruptions and Waterlogging
While the rain brings joy, it also brings challenges. Commuters faced the following:
- Minor traffic snarls in areas like Ashram, Dhaula Kuan, and Cyber City, Gurugram
- Waterlogging reported in low-lying areas of East Delhi, such as Laxmi Nagar and Mayur Vihar
- Reduced vehicle speeds due to slippery roads
Citizens are advised to plan travel with extra time, especially during the evening rush.
🚇 Metro and Public Transport
Delhi Metro services remained unaffected. Buses operated with minor delays in outer regions. The city’s electric rickshaw and cab operators saw a surge in demand during morning hours.
Agriculture and Water Table Impacts
🌾 Good News for Farmers
While urban residents enjoy the drizzle, the farming communities in rural outskirts of NCR also benefit. These light showers help in:
- Moistening dry soil before sowing of Kharif crops like paddy, bajra, and maize
- Reducing irrigation dependency
- Providing early moisture to boost seed germination
💧 Groundwater Recharge
Though light in intensity, rains over successive days help recharge the aquifers. Experts suggest that:
- Even mild rain increases percolation in green belts
- Regular rainfall over a week could reduce groundwater stress in some areas
Upcoming Weather Forecast
According to the IMD’s 7-day outlook:
- June 25–26: More light to moderate rainfall expected
- June 27–28: Slight dip in intensity, but cloudy skies to persist
- End of June: Likely onset of full monsoon in parts of north India, including Delhi-NCR
Meteorologists suggest that the monsoon could arrive earlier than the usual July 1–5 window, provided these pre-monsoon conditions continue.
Civic Authorities on Alert
The Municipal Corporations of Delhi and other NCR cities have deployed teams to:
- Clear clogged drains
- Remove fallen tree branches
- Monitor underpasses to prevent waterlogging
Emergency helplines have been activated in several zones to address resident concerns.
What You Should Do
Here are a few practical tips to stay safe and comfortable during this changing weather:
- ✅ Carry an umbrella or raincoat during commutes
- ✅ Avoid waterlogged roads to prevent health hazards and vehicle damage
- ✅ Drive slowly and maintain braking distance
- ✅ Switch off outdoor lights in rain-prone areas to avoid electric short circuits
- ✅ Keep anti-fungal powder and mosquito repellents handy
- ✅ Boost immunity with fresh fruits and warm water to avoid seasonal illnesses
Looking Ahead: Monsoon 2025 Expectations
The IMD has projected a normal to slightly above normal monsoon for North India in 2025. This bodes well for:
- Agriculture production
- Urban greenery
- Reservoir levels
- Electricity consumption patterns
However, the Delhi government has also warned against complacency, urging citizens to remain alert about possible flash floods or urban flooding once the full monsoon begins.
Conclusion
The light rain and cloud cover in Delhi-NCR today have not only brought relief but also signaled the hopeful arrival of the 2025 monsoon season. For a city often overwhelmed by extremes — blistering heat or dense smog — today’s weather is a gentle reminder that nature can still soothe us when least expected. With preparedness, civic cooperation, and mindful behavior, Delhiites can make the most of this seasonal gift.
So whether you’re enjoying the scent of wet earth or sipping tea by the window, take a moment to breathe in this refreshing change — because in Delhi, rain is more than just weather. It’s a pause. A promise. A sigh of relief.
