The southwest monsoon appears to be regaining its rhythm after a delayed start in Kerala, offering fresh hope that Delhi could receive its seasonal rains close to the normal schedule.
While the monsoon arrived over Kerala on June 4, three days later than its usual onset date and nearly a week behind earlier forecasts, its subsequent progress has been considerably faster. Within days, it swept across large sections of the western coastline, reached Goa and entered Maharashtra on June 6, matching its normal timeline.
The development has eased concerns that the delayed onset over Kerala would trigger a cascading delay across northern India.
Delhi likely to receive monsoon by late June
According to the Hindustan Times and the India Meteorological Department, the southwest monsoon is expected to reach Delhi and the wider National Capital Region between June 25 and June 30.
The same window has been projected for neighbouring cities, including Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad.
If the current pace of advancement continues, the monsoon could arrive around its normal date despite the delayed onset in Kerala. Last year, the monsoon reached Delhi on June 29, slightly later than the long-term average onset date of June 27.
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Hot spell to continue before rains arrive
Until the monsoon reaches the capital, residents are likely to endure another spell of summer heat.
According to the Hindustan Times, the weather department has forecast maximum temperatures between 36C and 41C over the coming week, while minimum temperatures are expected to remain between 26C and 29C.
Partly cloudy skies, occasional thunderstorms and gusty winds are likely on some days, particularly around June 11 and June 12. These pre-monsoon weather systems may bring temporary relief and a noticeable dip in temperatures before the seasonal rains set in.
Meteorologists expect the most significant cooling effect around June 12, when thunderstorms and rainfall could pull daytime temperatures down to around 36C.
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Maharashtra rains signal stronger monsoon advance
The monsoon's timely arrival in Maharashtra is being viewed as an encouraging sign for its overall progress this season.
According to the Hindustan Times, weather officials say conditions remain favourable for further advancement into additional parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and northeastern India over the next few days.
For farmers, the development is particularly significant as timely monsoon rains are crucial for the kharif sowing season. For residents of Delhi-NCR, meanwhile, the focus remains on whether the monsoon can maintain its current pace and deliver relief from the intense summer heat before the end of June.
For now, the IMD's forecast suggests that despite an uncertain beginning, the monsoon may still arrive in the capital broadly on schedule.
