Residents across Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region are experiencing a lull in rainfall right before the festival of Hariyali Teej, which falls on August 15 this year. On Thursday, August 13, weather conditions across the capital region remained largely muted with only light scattered showers and overcast skies anticipated through the afternoon and evening hours. Unlike previous years when heavy downpours accompanied festive celebrations, the Indian Meteorological Department indicates that monsoon activity will remain suppressed over the next two days, leaving the region with warm and muggy conditions.
Temperature Trends and Humidity Levels in Capital Region
According to updates from the Indian Meteorological Department, daytime temperatures across Delhi, Noida, and other NCR cities are running slightly above normal expectations. The minimum temperature across the region is hovering between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius, while daytime maximum temperatures are projected to reach between 33 and 35 degrees Celsius. Historically, frequent August rainfall keeps the peak daytime temperature around 32 degrees Celsius, but the recent dry spell has allowed temperatures to climb higher than usual for this time of the month.
Compounding the warmth is a notable drop in wind speed across the capital region on August 13. Light and sluggish winds are preventing heat dissipation, leading to high humidity levels throughout the day and night. Meteorologists note that even when actual air temperatures stay around 34 degrees Celsius, the heat index or 'feels like' temperature is expected to reach nearly 36 degrees Celsius. These muggy conditions are set to persist through Friday, making outdoor activities uncomfortable for residents.
Monsoon Forecast for Hariyali Teej and Coming Days
The weather agency's extended forecast suggests that while skies will remain cloudy, intense monsoon rain is unlikely in the immediate future. For Thursday, August 13, overcast skies will prevail with possibilities of light drizzling or sporadic light rain between noon and late evening hours. However, no heavy rainfall alerts have been issued for any part of the capital region. The weather department expects this subdued pattern to continue through August 14 and August 15, meaning Hariyali Teej is likely to pass without heavy precipitation.
Looking further ahead, cloud cover is expected to persist over Delhi-NCR through at least August 17 or August 18. Intermittent light rain and localized drizzling may occur periodically across different sectors, providing minor relief from the heat without causing waterlogging or major disruptions. The overall monsoon system in northern India is currently lacking the strong dynamic triggers needed to deliver heavy localized downpours to the National Capital Region.
Recap of Early August Deluge and Current Rainfall Deficit
The current dry spell comes after a remarkably wet start to the month. Between August 4 and August 8, Delhi-NCR witnessed continuous and intense torrential downpours that disrupted daily life and urban infrastructure. During that peak wet spell, major observation stations including Safdarjung recorded substantial rainfall volumes, while main thoroughfares in Noida and Gurugram were transformed into massive waterlogged stretches. In several low-lying areas, municipal teams required nearly two full days to drain accumulated rainwater from roads and residential colonies.
That heavy spell during the first 8 to 10 days of the month fulfilled a major portion of the average total rainfall expected for the entire month of August. However, because rainfall has been virtually absent since the severe storm on August 8, overall seasonal totals still reflect a slight deficit. With several days having passed with only negligible drizzling, the capital region requires further sustained rain spells to replenish groundwater levels and lower ambient temperatures.
