Monsoon – Delhi Set for Warmer and Drier Weather After Intense Rainfall Spell
Monsoon – After two days of widespread rain, Delhi welcomed bright sunshine on Friday as weather conditions turned stable. Forecasters expect the capital to experience a mostly dry and warmer phase over the coming days, although another round of monsoon showers could return during the second half of the month.
Delhi witnessed significantly higher rainfall than usual during the first ten days of July despite the southwest monsoon arriving later than its normal schedule. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon reached the national capital on July 2, five days after its typical onset date of June 27. Even with the delayed arrival, rainfall totals have comfortably crossed the seasonal average.
Rainfall Surpasses Seasonal Average
Data from the IMD’s Safdarjung observatory showed that Delhi received 132.2 mm of rainfall between July 1 and July 10, far exceeding the long-period average of 52.6 mm for the same duration. The city recorded nearly 151 percent more rainfall than normal, with more than 100 mm falling during the last two days alone.
The recent showers brought temporary relief from heat while also causing disruptions in several areas due to water accumulation and traffic congestion. However, meteorologists believe this active spell has now weakened.
Dry Conditions Expected Until Mid-July
Weather experts say rainfall activity is likely to remain limited until around July 15. Mahesh Palawat of Skymet Weather explained that the seasonal monsoon trough has shifted closer to the Himalayan foothills, reducing the chances of widespread rainfall over Delhi.
He noted that isolated light showers may occur over the next couple of days, but significant rainfall is unlikely during this period. As cloud cover decreases, daytime temperatures are expected to climb gradually, while humidity levels may become slightly lower, making afternoons feel warmer under clearer skies.
Monsoon Could Return After July 15
According to weather experts, the rainfall pattern may change again after the middle of the month. If the monsoon trough moves southward once more, conditions would become favourable for another spell of rain across Delhi and nearby regions.
Palawat also pointed out that dry westerly winds arriving from Rajasthan and parts of central Pakistan have replaced the moisture-laden flow over the capital. This shift has resulted in blue skies and stronger sunshine after several days dominated by thick clouds and persistent rainfall.
He added that any rain before July 15 would most likely come from localized cloud development rather than a large-scale monsoon system. The previous spell of widespread rainfall occurred when the seasonal trough stretched from Punjab to the Bay of Bengal while passing over Delhi, creating conditions for heavy showers across the city.
Temperatures Remain Comfortable
On Friday, the maximum temperature recorded at Safdarjung reached 33.3 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature settled at 25.8 degrees Celsius. Although temperatures are expected to rise in the coming days, they are likely to remain within the normal range for this time of the year.
Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality continued to show improvement. The Central Pollution Control Board reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 67 at 4 pm, placing the city’s air in the “satisfactory” category for the third consecutive day.
Rain-Related Accident Claims Life in Noida
Elsewhere in the National Capital Region, the effects of recent heavy rainfall continued to be felt. In Noida’s Sector 58, a 28-year-old man identified as Aryan lost his life after accidentally falling into a roadside drain filled with rainwater while travelling to work.
Authorities said heavy rainfall over the past few days also led to waterlogging, damaged roads, and cave-ins at several locations across Noida and Greater Noida, highlighting ongoing concerns over urban drainage and public safety during the monsoon season.