The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared the onset of the Southwest Monsoon over Delhi after favourable atmospheric conditions developed, bringing an end to a prolonged spell of heat and humidity in the national capital. Despite the rainfall, humidity levels remained high, ranging between 61 and 95 per cent.
The monsoon arrived in Delhi five days later than its normal onset date of June 27. Widespread rainfall lashed several parts of Delhi-NCR throughout the day, providing much-needed relief from the prevailing hot and humid conditions and leading to a sharp drop in temperatures.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi and adjoining areas for Friday, forecasting a generally cloudy sky with moderate rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds. Similar weather conditions are expected on July 4, with residents advised to keep umbrellas handy over the next few days.
The rainfall brought the maximum temperature down to 33 degrees Celsius, 4.4 degrees below the seasonal average, while the minimum temperature settled at 22.8 degrees Celsius, 5.1 degrees below normal. According to the IMD, rain and thunderstorms are likely to continue on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, which could further lower temperatures by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain between 33 degrees Celsius and 38 degrees Celsius until July 8.
The weather office also announced that the Southwest Monsoon has advanced over Delhi, most parts of Haryana and Punjab, the remaining parts of Uttar Pradesh, and additional areas of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
Delhi’s monsoon arrival this year follows two consecutive days of heatwave conditions in late June before thunderstorms and light rain provided initial relief. The onset is slightly later than last year, when the monsoon reached the city on June 28, but significantly earlier than in 2021, when it arrived on July 13, and in 2002, when the onset was delayed until July 19.
Over the past 25 years, the monsoon has generally reached Delhi between the last week of June and the first week of July, with June 27 being the climatological normal onset date. IMD records show the earliest monsoon arrival since 2001 was on June 15 in 2008, while the latest was on July 19 in 2002.
Meanwhile, the Shimla Meteorological Centre has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places across the state from July 2 to 5, except on July 3.In Mumbai, a 55-year-old man died after falling into an open manhole amid heavy rain, prompting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to suspend four civic officials and order a high-level inquiry.In all 6 people have died on account of monsoon fury in separate incidents in Mumbai and Himachal Pradesh.
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