By Krishna Dua 
A City Under the Clouds: Delhi’s Weather on September 6, 2025
Introduction
Delhi, the bustling capital of India, is a city of extremes. From scorching summers to chilly winters, its climate is a constant topic of conversation. Today, September 6, 2025, the city finds itself in the final, humid embrace of the monsoon season. As predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and other weather agencies, the day has been marked by a combination of showers and the threat of thunderstorms. This weather pattern is not an isolated event; it is part of a larger trend of increased rainfall and erratic weather events that have defined Delhi’s monsoon season this year. The city is a living example of a changing climate, with weather patterns becoming more unpredictable, affecting everything from daily commutes to long-term urban planning.
Today’s Weather: A Detailed Look
As of this morning, the weather in Delhi presents a mixed picture. While the day started with high humidity and a palpable mugginess, the afternoon and evening are expected to bring relief in the form of showers and thunderstorms.
- Temperature and Humidity: The current temperature in Delhi is around , but the high humidity of 73% makes it feel considerably hotter, with a “feels like” temperature of . This combination of heat and moisture is a classic feature of the monsoon season’s tail end.
- Rainfall and Thunderstorms: The forecast for today indicates a high chance of rain. The IMD has predicted “light rain” for the day, with a 45% chance of precipitation. The threat of thunderstorms, a common occurrence during this period, looms over the city. While the rainfall may provide a temporary respite from the oppressive heat, it also brings with it the risk of waterlogging and traffic snarls, a familiar challenge for Delhi’s residents.
- Wind and Air Quality: A light easterly wind with a speed of around 8 mph is blowing, which is helping to circulate the air but is not strong enough to provide significant relief. One positive aspect of the recent rains has been the improvement in air quality. The rains have helped settle airborne pollutants, and the Air Quality Index (AQI) is in the “satisfactory” range. However, experts caution that this improvement may be temporary, as the high humidity can also trap pollutants in the atmosphere, especially in traffic-heavy areas.
The Larger Monsoon Story: A Wet 2025
The weather Delhi is experiencing today is the culmination of a particularly wet monsoon season. According to the IMD, northwest India, including Delhi, has received above-normal rainfall throughout the monsoon months.
- Rainfall Figures: August 2025 was Delhi’s wettest since 2010, with a 72% excess over the long-period average. The city has already crossed its annual rainfall mark, and with more showers expected in September, it is on track to record one of its wettest years ever.
- Monsoon Trough and Western Disturbances: The consistent rainfall has been attributed to a combination of an active monsoon trough and an unusually active western disturbance. These weather systems have brought consistent light to moderate spells of rain, keeping temperatures in check and providing a much-needed break from the scorching summer heat.
Climate Change and Delhi’s Weather: A New Normal
The extreme and erratic weather patterns that Delhi is experiencing are not just a one-off event; they are a clear sign of a changing climate. Scientists and meteorologists have been warning for years that global warming is making monsoons more unpredictable and intense.
- Short, Intense Downpours: A recent study by scientists from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and Sorbonne University projects that future monsoons will bring more rainfall, but in shorter, more intense bursts. This shift from steady seasonal showers to sharp, heavy downpours is already being witnessed in Delhi and other parts of India.
- Increased Flooding and Landslides: The rise in heavy rainfall events has had devastating consequences, particularly in the Himalayan states. This year, the monsoon has triggered some of the worst flooding and landslides in decades in northern India, with rivers like the Yamuna breaching danger levels in Delhi.
- Shifting Weather Patterns: Meteorologists have also observed a shift in the monsoon’s behavior, with low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal moving westward instead of their traditional northwestward track. This has led to more frequent and intense weather events in central and western India, including Delhi.
The Challenges for Delhi
The changing weather patterns pose significant challenges for Delhi, a city that is already struggling with a massive population, aging infrastructure, and a high risk of flooding.
- Urban Flooding and Waterlogging: The recent heavy downpours have paralyzed parts of the city, with knee-deep waterlogging on major roads like the Delhi-Gurugram highway. This highlights the city’s inadequate drainage system, which is unable to cope with the increased rainfall intensity.
- Health Concerns: The combination of high humidity and occasional rain can lead to an increase in vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria. The Delhi government has been taking preventive measures, but the risk remains high.
- Disruption to Daily Life: The erratic weather and traffic jams have a direct impact on the daily lives of Delhi’s residents. Commuting becomes a nightmare, and outdoor activities, including sports and cultural events, are often disrupted.
Conclusion
The weather in Delhi today, with its mix of showers and thunderstorms, is more than just a daily forecast. It is a powerful reminder of the delicate balance of nature and the profound impact of climate change. The monsoon of 2025 has been a season of extremes, showcasing both the city’s resilience and its vulnerability. As the days grow shorter and the monsoon prepares to withdraw, Delhi will be left to grapple with the long-term implications of a changing climate. It is a call to action for urban planners, policymakers, and citizens to work together to build a more sustainable and climate-resilient city. The final showers of this monsoon season are not just a meteorological event; they are a prelude to a new and unpredictable future