Delhi's residents will have to wait a bit more for the onset of southwest monsoon as the weather forecast shows that the city may not be experiencing its usual onset date of June 27.
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Why has monsoon slowed
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast slow rainfall activity and lack of favourable weather systems that have slowed down monsoon's approach to north-west India.
The southwest monsoon has failed to get going after picking up some early footing in several regions of the country, News18 reports. The reason for the delay is linked to weaker than usual weather systems over the Bay of Bengal that normally pull in moisture laden winds to the northern parts of India, meteorologists say.
While Delhi may experience isolated light rain for the next few days, thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected, IMD has said that these pre-monsoon showers are not likely to be the indicators of the onset of monsoon. But for the monsoon to be declared over the national capital, there needs to be a continuous rainfall along with well-coordinated wind.
Update so far
According to News 18, the weather experts have said that the slowdown has also resulted in a deficiency of rainfall in the city this month. The city has also received less than the season's average rainfall thus far, and recorded hot and humid conditions throughout much of the NCR.
Though delayed, forecasters are hopeful that the southwest monsoon will make a comeback once the atmospheric conditions turn more favourable. A new low pressure system forming in Bay of Bengal may aid in resuming monsoon activity for eastern and northern parts of India in the next few days.
What to do?
The IMD has urged the people to keep an eye on official weather bulletins as thunderstorm and lightning with heavy winds can occur even before the onset of the monsoon.
But it is not an isolated incident as Delhi has also seen late monsoon in the past. A delayed onset does not necessarily mean the season will be weak as rainfall in July and August so far will largely decide the strength of the monsoon season. In addition, there has been a slowdown in the progress of the monsoon in recent weeks due to the absence of conducive large-scale weather systems, but that should begin to improve gradually.
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FAQs
Q1. When does the monsoon usually arrive in Delhi?
Ans: The normal onset date of the southwest monsoon over Delhi is June 27.
Q2. Why is the monsoon delayed this year?
Ans: Weak rainfall activity and the absence of favourable weather systems have slowed the monsoon's advance towards Delhi.
