Delhi's wait for the southwest monsoon has stretched beyond its usual arrival date, leaving residents to endure another spell of intense heat and humidity. While the national capital was expected to welcome the monsoon by June 27, weather conditions have delayed its advance, keeping temperatures elevated and making nights increasingly uncomfortable. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) says relief is finally in sight, with favourable conditions developing for widespread rainfall across north India over the coming days.
Monsoon expected to gain momentum
According to the IMD, the absence of a strong low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal slowed the monsoon's progress into Delhi and neighbouring regions. Meteorologists now expect the situation to improve as a fresh western disturbance approaches northwest India from July 2.
The weather department has forecast scattered rainfall across Delhi, Haryana and Punjab between June 29 and July 1. Rainfall activity is expected to become more widespread from July 2 to July 4, with isolated spells of heavy rain likely during July 1 to July 3. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of up to 60 kmph are also expected during this period.
The IMD has also indicated that the southwest monsoon is likely to advance further into parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and southeast Rajasthan over the next few days.
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Heatwave conditions continue for now
According to Livemint, despite the improving outlook, Delhi and adjoining areas are likely to remain under heatwave conditions through June 29 and June 30. The delayed rainfall has allowed daytime temperatures to remain high while humidity has significantly increased discomfort levels.
The IMD said maximum temperatures across parts of north India have remained between 40 and 43 degrees Celsius. Rajasthan's Phalodi recorded the country's highest maximum temperature at 43.8 degrees Celsius, highlighting the persistent heat gripping the region.
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Heavy rainfall alerts issued across north India
According to Livemint, beyond Delhi, several northern states are expected to experience an active monsoon phase. Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are likely to receive widespread rainfall until July 5, with isolated areas forecast to witness very heavy showers. Jammu and Kashmir is also expected to record sustained rainfall between July 2 and July 4.
Eastern and western Uttar Pradesh are likely to see heavy rainfall from June 30 onwards, while eastern Rajasthan is expected to experience an intense wet spell between July 2 and July 5. The IMD has also warned of thunderstorms and strong winds over eastern Rajasthan, while dust storms remain possible in western parts of the state later this week.
