Rain to hit Independence Day celebrations in Delhi? What IMD forecast says

Delhi is likely to witness very light to light rainfall during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on Saturday, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a yellow alert for all districts, forecasting rain spells till at least 9 am.A view of Red fort on eve of Independence Day celebration (RAJ K RAJ /Hindustan Times)According to IMD nowcast seen at around 6 am on Saturday, a yellow alert was in place for light to moderate rain accompanied with thunderstorms and lightening for all districts of the city till 9 am.Red Fort area could see a generally cloudy sky, with a spell of very light to light rain of about 5 mm expected between 4 am and 6 am on August 15, with a 70 per cent probability, according to IMD data, cited by PTI news agency.ALSO READ: August keeps the needle moving forward for monsoon | Number TheoryAnother spell of around 5 mm is likely to occur between 6 am and 9 am, with a 60 per cent probability. Between afternoon and evening, a fresh spell of about 3 mm is expected with a 60 per cent probability."The monsoon trough is expected to move northwestwards, and around August 15, a low-pressure area is likely to develop over southeast Uttar Pradesh and northern Chhattisgarh," Mahesh Palawat of Skymet was quoted as saying.ALSO READ: Independence Day 2026 PM Modi Red Fort speech: When and where to watch it live"At the same time, the axis of the monsoon trough is expected to lie over the Indo-Gangetic plains, including the Delhi region. Because of this, widespread light to moderate rainfall is likely over Delhi, particularly during the late night hours of August 14 continuing to early morning hours of August 15," he said.After the morning hours, some isolated places may continue to receive rainfall, he said.