Weather Update – Rain Brings Relief to Delhi-NCR as Monsoon Advances Northward
Weather Update – Residents across Delhi-NCR received welcome relief from intense heat and humidity after rain showers swept through several parts of the region on Sunday. The change in weather conditions led to a noticeable fall in temperatures, making outdoor conditions significantly more comfortable after days of oppressive heat.
Rainfall Changes Conditions Across the Capital
Several localities around the Indira Gandhi International Airport witnessed steady rainfall during the day. Dark clouds covered much of the sky while cool winds accompanied the showers, creating pleasant conditions across many parts of the national capital region. The rainfall helped ease discomfort caused by high humidity and soaring temperatures experienced earlier in the week.
IMD Predicts More Rain and Thunderstorms
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi is likely to witness another round of very light to light rainfall on June 11 and June 12. The weather department has also forecast thunderstorms along with gusty winds that may reach speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour.
Meteorologists believe these weather developments could bring maximum temperatures down to around 35°C to 37°C by June 12, offering additional relief to residents.
Temperatures Expected to Fluctuate This Week
Earlier forecasts issued by the IMD suggested that Delhi’s maximum temperature would remain near 40°C on Sunday and could climb to approximately 42°C by Tuesday. On Saturday, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 40°C, a sharp rise from the 35.8°C registered the previous day.
Despite temperatures remaining close to seasonal averages, humidity levels significantly increased discomfort. The heat index, often referred to as the “feels-like” temperature, touched 44.8°C on Saturday afternoon, reflecting the combined impact of heat and moisture in the atmosphere.
Focus Shifts Toward Southwest Monsoon Movement
Attention is now gradually turning toward the progress of the southwest monsoon, which officially arrived in Kerala on June 4 and marked the beginning of India’s annual rainy season. Although the onset occurred slightly later than usual, weather experts indicate that atmospheric conditions are now favourable for its continued movement across the country.
Current forecasts suggest that the monsoon will continue advancing through southern and central India over the coming weeks before moving further north.
Delhi Likely to Receive Monsoon by Late June
Based on present weather models and movement patterns, the southwest monsoon is expected to reach Delhi between June 25 and June 30. However, the exact arrival date will depend on factors such as rainfall activity, wind circulation and the pace of its advancement through central India.
Before reaching Delhi, the monsoon is expected to cover large parts of Maharashtra, central India and sections of the Gangetic plains. Weather specialists note that the next 10 to 15 days will play an important role in determining whether the monsoon reaches the capital earlier than expected or experiences a slight delay.
Air Quality Remains a Concern
While weather conditions improved, Delhi’s air quality continued to remain a concern. The city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 360, placing it in the “very poor” category. Several monitoring stations reported varying AQI levels, including Ashok Vihar (147), Bawana (142), Burari Crossing (139), Chandni Chowk (120), DTU (124), IIT Delhi (172), JNU (134), Mundka (154), Narela (160), Okhla Phase-2 (162), Pusa (169), R K Puram (142), Rohini (174), Sonia Vihar (166) and Wazirpur (198).