The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed the onset of the Southwest Monsoon in Delhi, following favorable atmospheric conditions. The monsoon arrived five days later than usual, on Thursday, bringing widespread rainfall and a notable decrease in temperatures across Delhi-NCR. The IMD issued a yellow alert for Delhi and nearby areas, forecasting moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds.
The maximum temperature in Delhi dropped to 33 degrees Celsius, significantly below the seasonal average, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 22.8 degrees Celsius, also below normal levels. More rain and thunderstorms are expected in the coming days, with daytime temperatures likely to range between 33 and 38 degrees Celsius until July 8. The Southwest Monsoon has advanced over Delhi, parts of Haryana and Punjab, remaining areas of Uttar Pradesh, and additional regions in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.
This year’s monsoon arrival in Delhi follows a period of heatwave conditions in late June, with the onset slightly delayed compared to last year but earlier than in 2021 and 2002. Over the past 25 years, the monsoon has typically reached Delhi between late June and early July, with June 27 as the normal onset date. The earliest monsoon arrival since 2001 was on June 15 in 2008, while the latest was on July 19 in 2002.
