The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted widespread rainfall in various parts of India on Saturday, with heavy to very heavy showers anticipated in many northern, eastern, and central states, including Delhi-NCR. Thunderstorms, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, are also expected in several regions as active monsoon conditions persist. A low-pressure area over central Uttar Pradesh is likely to gradually weaken over the next 24 hours, but widespread rainfall is still expected across north, central, east, and northeast India in the coming days.
Multiple meteorological systems are contributing to the increased rainfall activity, as per the weather department. These systems include a low-pressure area over central Uttar Pradesh, the monsoon trough positioned close to normal in the west and north of normal in the east, an upper air cyclonic circulation over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh, and two cyclonic circulations over west and northeast Assam. Additionally, an active western disturbance over north Pakistan and adjoining Punjab is influencing the weather patterns.
The IMD has forecast isolated heavy rainfall in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi on July 11, with similar conditions expected in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, and western Uttar Pradesh. Rainfall activity is likely to persist in Uttar Pradesh, with isolated heavy rainfall in western parts and widespread rain in the east from July 12 onwards.
Central India is set to experience an active monsoon, with scattered rainfall expected in East and West Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are likely over East Madhya Pradesh, while West Madhya Pradesh may face strong winds. In the northeast, widespread rainfall is expected in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, with thunderstorms and lightning.
Southern India is also bracing for active monsoon conditions, with widespread rainfall predicted in Coastal Karnataka, and moderate to heavy showers in Kerala and Mahe. Thunderstorms with gusty winds are expected in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. Similar weather patterns are forecast for Telangana, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, and interior Karnataka, with heavy rainfall likely in isolated areas of Coastal Karnataka and Kerala.
The recent improvement in air quality due to rainfall in North India saw Delhi achieve a significant milestone on July 9, recording its first “Good” air quality day of 2026. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 48, marking the cleanest air day since September 10, 2023, according to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Residents in affected regions are advised to remain cautious as heavy rainfall may lead to waterlogging, reduced visibility, traffic disruptions, and localized flooding in low-lying areas. Authorities recommend staying updated with weather advisories and taking necessary precautions during thunderstorms and intense rainfall.
