Weather – Delhi Braces for Rain, Thunderstorms and Continued Humidity
Weather – Delhi is likely to see a generally cloudy day on Tuesday, with light to moderate rain expected in several areas, according to the India Meteorological Department. Thunderstorms and lightning may also occur, offering some relief from the city’s humid and uncomfortable weather.
Yellow alert issued for Delhi
The weather department has placed Delhi under a Yellow Alert for Tuesday, urging residents to remain cautious during periods of rain and thunderstorms. People travelling for work or other commitments have been advised to check updated weather information before leaving home, especially if conditions worsen during the day.
The IMD has also forecast rain across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh from July 7 to July 11. More widespread activity is expected on July 7 and July 9, when some locations may receive stronger showers.
Temperature likely to remain in the mid-30s
Delhi’s maximum temperature is expected to stay between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. The minimum temperature may range from 26 to 28 degrees Celsius, keeping the city warm even during the early morning and night hours.
The IMD said there is no major change expected in the city’s daytime temperature over the coming week. Night temperatures may remain steady for the next two days before falling by around one to two degrees Celsius over the following three days. After that, the minimum temperature could rise again.
Monday rain forecast largely missed
Rainfall activity on Monday was weaker than earlier projections for Delhi-NCR. The IMD had indicated the possibility of heavy showers, but most parts of the city saw only drizzle or very light rain despite overcast skies through much of the day.
The limited rainfall did little to ease the moisture-heavy conditions. Humidity remained high across Delhi, adding to the discomfort for people outdoors and those commuting during the day.
Heat index rises sharply in parts of city
The impact of humidity was reflected in the heat index, which measures how hot the weather feels when moisture levels are included. In some areas of Delhi, the heat index climbed to 49.6 degrees Celsius, making conditions feel far more severe than the recorded air temperature.
Monday also emerged as one of the hottest July days seen in Delhi over the past two years. The city’s maximum temperature reached 38.6 degrees Celsius. The previous highest July temperature during this period was 38.8 degrees Celsius, recorded on July 11, 2024.
Delhi rainfall remains below seasonal normal
While rainfall across the country has remained above average in the first week of July, Delhi continues to face a sizeable shortfall. India received 53.3 mm of rain between July 1 and July 6, compared with the normal 48 mm, resulting in an 11 per cent surplus.
Delhi, however, recorded only 6.6 mm of rain during the same period against a normal level of 21 mm. This left the national capital with a rainfall deficit of 68 per cent, placing it among the areas with the largest shortfall in the country.
The expected showers on Tuesday could improve local conditions, but the extent of rainfall will determine whether Delhi begins to close the gap in its monsoon rainfall figures.