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Delhi records below-normal temperatures; IMD issues rain, thunderstorm alerts for Himachal and Rajasthan

Delhi enjoys below-normal temperatures and satisfactory air quality, while IMD issues rain, thunderstorm and hail alerts for Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan.

By Pritha Chakraborty

Jun 18, 2026 11:49 IST

Residents of Delhi experienced relatively comfortable weather on Wednesday as temperatures stayed below the seasonal average across most parts of the city. The rise in daytime heat was modest, coming a day after the national capital recorded its coolest June day so far this year.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Safdarjung, Delhi's base weather observatory, registered a maximum temperature of 38.1 degrees Celsius, which was 0.7 degrees below normal. The minimum temperature settled at 23.8 degrees Celsius, remaining 3.7 degrees below the usual mark for this time of the year.

Air quality also remained within a healthier range. Data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 92 at 4 pm, placing it in the "satisfactory" category.

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Wet spell expected across Himachal Pradesh till June 23

Several areas of Himachal Pradesh received light to moderate rainfall during the past 24 hours, bringing relief from warmer conditions in parts of the hill state. The Meteorological Department has indicated that unsettled weather is likely to continue over the coming days.


Rain, thunderstorms and hail likely in Himachal and Rajasthan. /ANI


The weather office has forecast a wet spell across Himachal Pradesh until June 23. A fresh western disturbance is expected to impact northwest India from June 18, influencing weather activity in the region.

The Shimla Meteorological Centre has issued an alert for hailstorms, thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph. The warning applies to Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts on Thursday. Similar conditions are expected in Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts on Friday as well.

Rajasthan braces for rain and thunderstorms

Parts of Rajasthan are also likely to witness changing weather conditions over the next few days. The Jaipur Meteorological Centre has predicted rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in several divisions of the state.

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Areas under Bikaner, Jaipur, Bharatpur, Ajmer, Kota and Jodhpur divisions may receive rain along with strong winds ranging between 50 and 70 kmph during the next two to three days.


Fresh western disturbance to bring rain and gusty winds this week. /ANI


Meteorologists have attributed the expected weather activity to a fresh western disturbance that is set to become active over northwest India from Thursday, bringing the possibility of rain and thunderstorms to multiple regions.

FAQs:

Will it rain in Delhi in the coming days?

The IMD has not issued a major rain alert for Delhi, but weather conditions may change as a western disturbance affects northwest India.

Why is Rajasthan expected to receive rain and thunderstorms?

A fresh western disturbance is becoming active over northwest India, increasing the chances of rain, thunderstorms and strong winds across parts of Rajasthan.

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