# Delhi-NCR monsoon rains and air quality trends > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/delhi-air-quality-and-weather-trends > Updated: 2026-09-02T00:39:46.000Z. Sources: 50. Developments: 5. Delhi has seen improvements in air quality driven by both government initiatives and weather patterns. In early August, the Delhi government reported 137 clean-air days, surpassing previous years. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa attributed these gains to “sustained planning, scientific interventions and strict enforcement,” including dust suppression and waste management. By mid-August, weather shifts involving cloudy skies and intermittent rainfall further aided air quality by dispersing pollutants, though high humidity levels persisted in the Delhi-NCR region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted light to moderate rain through August 20, with very light rain expected to continue until August 23. This weather activity provided relief from extreme heat, though temperatures continued to fluctuate between 22 and 35 degrees Celsius. By August 22, the monsoon became fully active, bringing light to moderate rainfall that provided significant relief from heat and humidity. This precipitation led to a notable improvement in air quality. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicated that most areas moved into the green and yellow zones. While locations such as Anand Vihar and Chandni Chowk remained in the yellow zone, several areas in Delhi and Noida reported clean air, and parts of Ghaziabad recorded excellent air quality levels. By August 23, heavy monsoon rains caused widespread disruption across the Delhi-NCR region. The IMD issued a red alert for New Delhi, forecasting intense showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. Severe waterlogging has been reported in areas including Connaught Place, AIIMS, ITO, and RK Puram, leading to significant traffic congestion and stalled vehicles. At Indira Gandhi International Airport, weather conditions resulted in the cancellation of approximately 16 flights and delays for over 120 others, with some flights diverted to Jaipur, Chandigarh, and Lucknow. Major airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, issued passenger advisories. ## Claims - The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for several zones of New Delhi. (disputed by 21 sources) - Light rain was recorded in isolated areas across Delhi. (disputed by 4 sources) - Wind speeds were forecasted to reach between 30 and 40 km/h in several districts. (disputed by 3 sources) - Wind speeds in some regions could reach between 80 and 90 kilometers per hour. (disputed by 3 sources) - At least 15 flights were diverted from Delhi due to heavy rain and thunderstorms. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Rain in Delhi caused waterlogging and traffic jams on major roads including DND Flyway, ITO, and Mathura Road. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The Gurugram District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) advised corporate offices and schools to implement work-from-home or online classes. (corroborated by 7 sources) - One hundred and twenty-three flights experienced delays. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The IMD has issued heavy rain and thunderstorm alerts for approximately 14 to 22 Indian states. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Heavy rainfall and lightning warnings have been issued for Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Heavy rains are being driven by a weather system over Madhya Pradesh and a low-pressure area near the West Bengal-Bangladesh coast. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The IMD issued an orange alert for Gurugram and Faridabad. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-02: India: Monsoon rains impact regions as Delhi prepares for BRICS Summit Heavy rains impact parts of India, including Delhi-NCR, while the government announces office closures in Delhi on September 11 to facilitate the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/delhi-ncr-weather-imd-forecasts-continued-rain-and-thunderstorms-through-september-5 ### 2026-08-25: India weather alert: Heavy rain and storms forecast for multiple states The IMD has issued heavy rain and thunderstorm alerts for up to 22 Indian states, warning of high winds, landslides in hilly areas, and potential flooding in regions like UP, Bihar, and Odisha. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/delhi-ncr-heavy-rain-causes-waterlogging-and-flight-disruptions ### 2026-08-23: Delhi-NCR heavy rains trigger red alerts and flight disruptions Heavy monsoon rains in Delhi-NCR have triggered red alerts, severe waterlogging, and major flight disruptions at IGI Airport, while Gurugram authorities advised work-from-home due to flooding. 36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/delhi-weather-rain-brings-relief-from-heat-but-causes-traffic-jams ### 2026-08-18: Delhi-NCR weather shifts with rain and improved air quality Delhi-NCR is seeing relief from heat due to cloudy skies and light rain. The IMD forecasts continued light to moderate showers through August 23, alongside high humidity levels. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/delhi-ncr-faces-humid-weather-with-light-rain-forecast ### 2026-08-04: Delhi logs 137 clean‑air days as anti‑pollution drive boosts air quality Delhi recorded 137 clean‑air days by Aug 4, with five days of satisfactory AQI, crediting anti‑pollution measures, waste removal and enforcement, alongside wider environmental projects. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/delhi-logs-137-cleanair-days-as-antipollution-drive-boosts-air-quality --- Cite as: Delhi-NCR monsoon rains and air quality trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/delhi-air-quality-and-weather-trends