NEW DELHI — After a spell of unusually high temperatures, the national capital is bracing for a significant shift in weather. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted three days of rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds from Wednesday, March 18, to Friday, March 20, 2026.
The change is attributed to an active Western Disturbance, which experts say will have a notable cooling effect across the Delhi-NCR region, bringing daytime temperatures down to a range of 27°C to 32°C.
1. Detailed Daily Forecast
| Date | Weather Conditions | Temp (High/Low) | Wind Speed |
| Wednesday, March 18 | Generally cloudy; light rain/thunderstorm likely towards tonight. | 32°C – 34°C / 17°C | 20-30 kmph (Gusts: 40 kmph) |
| Thursday, March 19 | Very light rain/drizzle in the morning; afternoon thunderstorms. | 30°C / 18°C | 30-40 kmph (Gusts: 50 kmph) |
| Friday, March 20 | Peak intensity; light rain with lightning and potential hailstorms. | 27°C / 19°C | 30-40 kmph (Gusts: 50 kmph) |
2. Cooling Effect and Dust Storms
According to Mahesh Palawat, Vice President of Skymet Weather, the overcast skies will become most prominent from Thursday.
- Dust Storm Risk: Residents are advised to be cautious of dust storms accompanied by gusty winds, particularly on Wednesday evening as the system moves in.
- Temperature Drop: The mercury is expected to dip by nearly 5°C to 7°C by Friday, providing a much-needed respite from the early onset of summer heat.
- Hailstorm Warning: The weather department has flagged “isolated pockets” for potential hailstorms on Friday, March 20, when the moisture inflow is expected to be highest.
3. Air Quality and Environment
- Current AQI: Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index stood at 189 (Moderate) on Tuesday.
- Outlook: The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) suggests that the AQI will remain in the ‘Moderate’ category for the next three days, as rain and strong winds help in the dispersion of pollutants.
Safety Advisory for Residents
- Commuters: Expect waterlogging in low-lying areas on Friday and reduced visibility during dust storms on Wednesday.
- Infrastructure: Secure loose objects on balconies or rooftops due to predicted wind gusts of up to 50 kmph.
- Health: With fluctuating temperatures (from 34°C to 27°C), there is an increased risk of seasonal viral infections.