IMD issues orange alert for Delhi-NCR after early morning showers
What's the story
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday. Early Monday morning, heavy to very heavy showers, along with gusty winds and light thunderstorms, were also reported across Delhi and its neighboring areas, including Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad.
Weather forecast
Monsoon axis shifts northward
The IMD has said that the monsoon axis has shifted northward, paving the way for at least two more major rain spells in the next four days. The weather agency predicted "scattered moderate to heavy rains with thunderstorms" over Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Noida, Palwal, Gurgaon, and parts of Delhi, among others. Earlier, New Delhi's regional meteorological department issued a yellow alert for the national capital, which was later upgraded to an orange alert.
Twitter Post
Visuals from Greater Noida
Greater Noida: Heavy rainfall in Delhi NCR caused a drop in temperature. The Meteorological Department had previously issued a yellow alert pic.twitter.com/TiiqCnLKWQ
— IANS (@ians_india) July 7, 2025
Pollution update
Delhi's air quality improves
Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality has improved considerably, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the 'satisfactory' category for 11 consecutive days. The AQI stood at 76 at 4:00pm on Sunday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This is a significant improvement, carrying on from June 26, when the AQI dropped from 134 to below 100 for the first time this year.
Weather warning
High-alert weather warning for northwest India
In addition to the Delhi-NCR alert, the IMD has also issued a high-alert weather warning for Northwest India. The region is likely to witness widespread heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. Himachal Pradesh is also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rain with isolated extremely heavy rainfall. Parts of Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand are also likely to see intense showers over the next few days.