The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that the southwest monsoon is likely to arrive in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) between June 25 and June 30. This prediction follows recent thunderstorms and scattered rainfall that brought relief from the intense summer heat in the region. The monsoon’s onset over Kerala was delayed by three days but is expected to progress steadily across the country.
The IMD’s monsoon progression map indicates that Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad are anticipated to experience the monsoon between June 25 and 30. Additionally, parts of Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh are also expected to witness the monsoon during this period. Northern and hilly regions like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh may receive rainfall around the same time, providing relief from the prevailing heatwave-like conditions.
A Western Disturbance that became active around June 3 has already brought relief to North India from the high temperatures. However, meteorologists warn of possible waterlogging in urban areas due to heavy rain spells and risks of strong winds and lightning in open spaces and mountainous regions. Thunderstorm and rainfall activity is forecasted to continue in several areas on June 6 before weather conditions stabilize gradually.
Last year, the southwest monsoon reached Delhi on June 29, slightly later than its normal onset date. Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remains in the “poor” category, with various locations recording AQI levels. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 284, while Mundka, Wazirpur, Okhla Phase-2, and IIT Delhi were among the city’s most polluted areas.
