Light rain likely in Delhi today; IMD issues alert in Bihar, Jharkhand

Delhi may see light rain and thunderstorms on Thursday, with the IMD forecasting a maximum of 34 degrees Celsius as monsoon withdrawal from northwest India is likely around September 19

Delhi residents woke up to pleasant weather on Thursday morning as the national capital is likely to see cloudy conditions with light rain or drizzle today. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a minimum temperature of 25 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 34 degrees Celsius for the city.

The IMD's Delhi forecast also indicates the possibility of thunderstorms, while its national warning bulletin has flagged thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, at isolated places over Delhi, Haryana, and Chandigarh.

The national capital recorded a maximum temperature of 36.8 degrees Celsius on September 16, three degrees above normal, while the minimum was 26.8 degrees Celsius, 1.7 degrees above normal, according to IMD data. The city received no rainfall in the 24 hours ending 8:30 am on September 17.

Delhi's weather is expected to turn relatively drier after Thursday, with the IMD forecasting partly cloudy skies on September 18 and 19. The maximum temperature is likely to remain around 33-34 degrees Celsius during this period.

The latest weather developments come as the southwest monsoon approaches its withdrawal phase. The IMD has indicated that the monsoon could begin withdrawing from northwest India around September 19.