It’s been a wet and wild start to the last weekend of January 2026 in the capital. If you’ve been wondering whether to pack away your umbrella or dig out your heaviest winter coat, you’re not alone. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fascinating—and somewhat confusing—update for the Delhi-NCR region. Let’s cut through the noise and give you the clear, actionable forecast you need.
Table of Contents
- A Soaking Start: Delhi’s January Rainfall Record
- IMD’s Latest Delhi Weather Forecast: What to Expect
- Cold Wave Alert: What It Really Means (And Why It’s Unlikely)
- Your Weekly Weather Outlook for Delhi-NCR
- Conclusion: Prepare for a Cool, Not Cold, Week Ahead
- Sources
A Soaking Start: Delhi’s January Rainfall Record
Last Friday, New Delhi was drenched with 13.2 mm of rainfall. While that might not sound like a monsoon, it’s actually a significant event for January. This marks the city’s highest single-day rainfall in the month in three years. For context, Delhi’s average total rainfall for the entire month of January is usually around 21.7 mm . So, one day’s downpour accounted for well over half of the typical monthly total!
This unseasonal wet spell was driven by a strong western disturbance—a common weather system that brings winter rain and snow to North India. The result? Overcast skies, gusty winds, and a very unusual temperature squeeze where the gap between the day’s high and low was a mere 2 degrees. This kind of weather keeps things cool during the day but prevents the usual sharp nighttime chill.
IMD’s Latest Delhi Weather Forecast: What to Expect
So, will the rain continue? According to the most recent IMD bulletins, the intense rain activity is expected to subside. However, the skies will likely remain generally cloudy for the next couple of days . The immediate focus has shifted from precipitation to temperature.
The big news from the IMD is a predicted dip in minimum temperatures across the Delhi-NCR region. After the relatively mild nights brought on by the cloud cover, residents can expect their mornings to feel noticeably crisper. But here’s the crucial part: this dip is not expected to be severe enough to trigger an official cold wave alert.
Cold Wave Alert: What It Really Means (And Why It’s Unlikely)
Before you panic and start layering up like you’re heading to the Arctic, let’s clarify what a “cold wave” actually is. The IMD has very specific criteria for declaring one in the plains of North India like Delhi [[19], [20]]:
- A cold wave is declared when the minimum temperature is 10°C or lower AND is at least 4.5°C below the season’s normal.
- A more severe cold wave is declared if the minimum temperature drops to 4°C or lower.
The current forecast suggests that while the minimums will fall, they are not expected to plunge into this critical zone. The weather system is moving on, and without the persistent cloud cover to trap any residual warmth, the nights will get cooler—but not dangerously so. This is a classic case of a weather fluctuation, not a prolonged cold wave event.
Your Weekly Weather Outlook for Delhi-NCR
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can plan for in the coming days:
- Weekend (Jan 24-25): Expect a mix of cloudy and partly sunny skies. The chance of rain is low, but the air will feel fresh and cool. Mornings will be the coldest part of the day .
- Early Next Week (Jan 27 onwards): As the western disturbance moves further east, skies are likely to clear up, leading to more typical, sunny winter days. Daytime highs should return to a comfortable range in the low 20s (°C), while nighttime lows will hover in the single digits, which is standard for late January.
For real-time updates and official warnings, always refer to the India Meteorological Department’s official website. You can also check our [INTERNAL_LINK:winter-health-tips] for advice on staying healthy during these fluctuating temperatures.
Conclusion: Prepare for a Cool, Not Cold, Week Ahead
In summary, the dramatic rainfall was a short-lived but notable event for Delhi’s January weather. The immediate future points to a clearing sky and a welcome return to more predictable winter conditions. While you should definitely have a light jacket ready for your morning commute, there’s no need to prepare for a crippling cold wave. The IMD’s forecast offers a reassuring message: enjoy the crisp, clean air after the rain, but keep your heavy woolens in storage for now.
Sources
- India Meteorological Department (IMD) Weather Alerts and Forecasts, January 2026.
- Historical Rainfall Data for Delhi, referenced from various news reports on January rainfall records [[11]-[18]].
- IMD Criteria for Cold Wave Declaration in the Plains [[19]-[28]].
- Original article from Times of India: “Will rain continue in Delhi-NCR? IMD forecasts dip in minimum temperature”.