Monsoon to drench Independence Day, rain to last through August

Delhi-NCR is likely to see cloudy skies and intermittent rain on Independence Day. The forecast reflects an active monsoon that may keep wet weather in place through the rest of August.Rainfall during the rest of August is expected to remain normal to slightly below normal. (Photo: Windy)The southwest monsoon is showing no signs of slowing down, with weather models indicating that widespread rainfall activity will continue across large parts of India through the remainder of August.While the country is currently running a rainfall deficit of around 12 per cent, forecasters believe the monsoon will remain active enough to prevent the shortfall from widening significantly.According to weather experts, rainfall during the rest of August is expected to remain normal to slightly below normal. However, the deficit accumulated earlier in the season is likely to persist and could extend into September. Current model projections suggest that the 2026 southwest monsoon may eventually conclude with a seasonal rainfall deficit of between 12 and 18 per cent.The outlook for September, typically the final full month of the monsoon season, remains weak, raising concerns that a significant recovery may not materialise before withdrawal begins. Even as the broader seasonal picture remains below normal, several regions are likely to continue receiving frequent spells of rain in the coming weeks due to active monsoon systems over central, eastern and northern India.For Delhi-NCR, Independence Day celebrations are expected to take place under cloudy skies with intermittent rainfall through the day.The latest forecast indicates a generally cloudy sky over the national capital on August 15. A spell of very light to light rain, with an estimated rainfall of around 5 mm, is likely during the early morning hours, with a 70 per cent probability.Another spell of very light rain, also around 5 mm, is expected between 7 am and 9 am with a 60 per cent probability. Weather agencies have also forecast an additional spell of light rainfall of around 3 mm during the afternoon and evening hours, again with a 60 per cent probability.The forecast means that outdoor Independence Day events, including flag-hoisting ceremonies and public gatherings, could be affected by passing showers, though widespread heavy rainfall is not expected over the city.With the Bay of Bengal continuing to remain active and monsoon systems regularly forming and moving inland, India is likely to remain under the influence of wet weather well into the second half of August.- EndsPublished By: Sibu Kumar TripathiPublished On: Aug 15, 2026 07:00 IST