Delhi Weather Today: Light Rain After 30.9°C Shock

Delhi woke up to light rain on 18 February 2026, just a day after recording the hottest day of the year at 30.9°C. The sudden drizzle brought slight relief from heat, but air quality remained in the poor category with AQI around 228 in the morning. IMD has issued a yellow alert, predicting more light rain and gusty winds through the day.

Hottest February Day Just Passed

Tuesday felt more like late March. The temperature touched 30.9°C, which is nearly 6.5 degrees above normal for mid-February. That kind of heat surprised many residents. People stepped out in light clothes. Fans were switched on in several homes.

It did not feel like winter anymore. The warmth stayed even after sunset. Then overnight, weather changed mood again.

Light Rain Greets The Morning

On Wednesday early morning, light rain started falling in parts of the city. Not heavy, just soft drizzle. Roads looked slightly wet. Skies turned grey.

The India Meteorological Department predicted very light to light rainfall during the day. Thunderstorms and lightning may happen at isolated places. Winds could reach 30 to 40 km per hour in the afternoon.

Maximum temperature is expected near 27°C. Minimum around 14°C. That is still warmer than usual for February.

Delhi AQI Still In Poor Category

Rain did not improve pollution much in early hours. At 8 a.m., AQI stood at 228, which falls under poor category. On Tuesday it was even worse at 259.

Several areas reported high pollution levels. Anand Vihar touched 285. Chandni Chowk was around 286. Rohini crossed 300. Wazirpur recorded 336, which is quite serious. Mundka also stayed above 300.

Some areas were slightly better. Pusa recorded 152. ITO was near 180. But overall, air quality remained unhealthy for sensitive groups.

People with breathing issues should limit outdoor exposure. Even light rain sometimes cannot wash away deep pollution instantly.

Yellow Alert Issued By IMD

IMD has placed Delhi under yellow alert. This means stay aware. Not panic, but cautious.

Cloudy skies will dominate the day. Light rain spells may come in phases. Morning drizzle, then maybe another round before noon. Afternoon could see brief showers again.

Thunder and lightning are possible at isolated places. Wind gusts may suddenly increase. Drivers should remain careful, especially during peak traffic hours.

NCR Weather: Noida And Gurugram Update

Noida is expected to remain generally cloudy with light rain. Maximum temperature may stay near 26°C. Minimum around 11°C. For next few days, mainly clear skies are predicted.

Gurugram may see partly cloudy skies with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. Maximum temperature there could reach 28°C. Minimum around 14°C. Weather will likely clear up in coming days.

The system affecting Delhi is influencing nearby states too.

Rain Likely In Haryana, UP And Rajasthan

IMD has said that scattered showers may extend into parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Areas like Sonipat, Jhajjar, Rewari and Narnaul in Haryana could receive light rain.

In Uttar Pradesh, places such as Bagpat, Modinagar, Meerut and Bulandshahr may see drizzle. Parts of Rajasthan including Alwar and Kotputli may also get light rainfall.

This is not a strong system. Mostly light showers. But enough to change the feel of the day.

Why February Feels So Warm This Year

Delhi has been witnessing unusual warmth this February. Monday and Tuesday both recorded high temperatures. Climate patterns seem shifting slowly. Winters are getting shorter. Warm days are arriving early.

Experts say western disturbances combined with changing climate trends can create such sudden swings. One day heat. Next day rain. The pattern feels unstable.

Still, this rain spell is expected to be short-lived.

Will Rain Improve Delhi Pollution?

Many hope rain will clean the air. It may help slightly. Light drizzle can settle dust particles temporarily. But when pollution levels are high, one small shower is not enough.

Strong winds might disperse pollutants better than rain alone. If wind speed reaches 30 to 40 km per hour as predicted, AQI may improve gradually by evening.

Continuous monitoring remains important.

What To Expect In Coming Days

After today’s rain, skies are likely to clear again. Temperature may rise slowly once more. February is entering its final phase. Real winter chill is nearly gone.

Daytime will feel warm. Nights will stay mild. Occasional light rain spells cannot be ruled out, but major cold wave is unlikely now.

Delhi weather keeps surprising, honestly. One day summer vibe, next day drizzle and thunder.

Final Word On Delhi Weather Today

Delhi experienced light rain on 18 February 2026 after recording the hottest day of the year at 30.9°C. AQI remains in poor category despite drizzle. IMD yellow alert stays active with chances of thunderstorms and gusty winds. Nearby NCR regions may also see scattered showers.

Keep an umbrella handy. Avoid long exposure in polluted zones. Weather is changing fast, and February is ending warmer than many expected.