Delhi residents woke up to a cooler-than-usual morning on March 20 as rain and thunderstorms swept through the national capital, bringing relief from the recent heatwave. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 123, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. This marks a noticeable improvement compared to the previous days when the city was grappling with high pollution levels.

Weather Conditions in Delhi and NCR

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the weather conditions in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are expected to remain unsettled for the next few days. Light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph, are forecasted. The winds could gust up to 50 kmph in some areas, according to IMD officials.

Delhi is likely to experience generally cloudy skies with spells of rain during the morning and afternoon on March 20. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures may range from 15 to 17 degrees Celsius. The IMD has also predicted that partly cloudy skies will dominate on March 21 and 22, with maximum temperatures gradually rising to around 28-31 degrees Celsius.

Weather Updates for Nearby Cities

Gurugram, a key city in the NCR, is also experiencing similar weather conditions. According to weather officials, cloud cover is expected to continue over the city with chances of light rainfall in isolated areas. The IMD has issued an alert for Haryana on March 20, predicting thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph in several districts. There is also a possibility of hailstorms at a few locations during this period.

Faridabad is currently experiencing light rain with a temperature of 18 degrees Celsius. A yellow alert has been issued across the Delhi-NCR region, including Faridabad, due to an active Western Disturbance bringing thunderstorms and gusty winds. This has prompted residents to take precautions and stay indoors during the peak of the weather events.

In Agra, the city is experiencing rain with a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius on Friday morning. The air quality is currently Poor with an AQI of 139. According to weather officials, light rain and thunderstorms are expected throughout the day. As of March 21 and 22, the weather in Agra is expected to clear up and become significantly warmer, offering a reprieve from the current conditions.

Impact on Chandigarh and Dehradun

Chandigarh woke up with light rain and thunderstorms, with a temperature of 17 degrees Celsius. A yellow alert has been issued by the IMD due to active Western Disturbances. Chandigarh city and several other districts are expected to experience gusty winds and continued rainfall throughout the day. This has led to disruptions in daily activities and travel across the region.

Dehradun is currently experiencing heavy rain with a temperature of 14 degrees Celsius. An orange alert has been issued for March 20, 2026, as the region faces a sudden return of cold conditions with thunderstorms and gusty winds. The heavy rainfall has caused concern among local authorities, who have issued advisories for residents to stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel.

The current weather conditions have had a noticeable impact on the daily lives of residents in Delhi and the surrounding areas. Commuters have been advised to carry umbrellas and wear warm clothing due to the sudden drop in temperature. The AQI improvements, however, offer some relief from the previous days’ high pollution levels.

According to the CPCB, several areas in Delhi remain in the ‘moderate’ category, with Anand Vihar at 176, Dwarka at 118, RK Puram at 176, Chandani Chowk at 118, Bawana at 123, and JNU at 106. This indicates that while the air quality has improved, it is still not at the ‘good’ level, and people with respiratory issues should take necessary precautions.

The IMD has emphasized the need for residents to stay updated on the weather conditions and follow safety guidelines. The weather forecast for the coming days suggests that the situation may stabilize, but residents should remain cautious until the conditions improve.

As the weather continues to affect daily life in the region, local authorities and meteorological departments are working closely to provide accurate and timely updates. The focus remains on ensuring public safety and minimizing the impact of the weather on essential services and infrastructure.