WeatherUpdate – Delhi-NCR Likely to Get Rain Relief Amid Humid Conditions

WeatherUpdate – Residents across Delhi and the National Capital Region may soon experience relief from the prevailing heat and humidity as light rainfall and thunderstorms are expected over the coming days. The latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicates changing weather conditions across the region, although air pollution levels continue to remain a concern.

Rain and Thunderstorm Activity Expected

According to the IMD, Delhi and adjoining cities including Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad are likely to witness partly cloudy skies, intermittent showers and strong surface winds during the next few days. The weather changes are being influenced by an active atmospheric system affecting several parts of northern India.

For June 22, the maximum temperature is expected to remain close to 37 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may settle around 27 degrees Celsius. Similar weather conditions are likely to continue on June 23, with temperatures ranging between 26 and 37 degrees Celsius.

Temperatures to Remain Near Seasonal Levels

Weather officials have projected that daytime temperatures could rise slightly to around 38 degrees Celsius on June 24 and June 25. Minimum temperatures during this period are expected to remain between 26 and 27 degrees Celsius.

The presence of cloud cover across the region is likely to prevent the development of extreme heat conditions, offering some comfort to residents after several days of uncomfortable weather.

On Sunday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 38.9 degrees Celsius, marginally above the seasonal average. The minimum temperature was recorded at 28.8 degrees Celsius, which was also slightly higher than normal for this time of year.

Monsoon Arrival May Face Further Delay

While rainfall activity is expected in the coming days, weather experts have suggested that the southwest monsoon may not reach Delhi on its usual schedule this year.

Meteorologists noted that the monsoon’s progress across the country has been slower than normal. Several regions are still waiting for its arrival, including Mumbai, where the monsoon generally arrives around June 8.

Experts clarified that the recent rain and thunderstorm episodes observed in Delhi were not linked to monsoon activity. Instead, they were caused by western disturbances influencing weather patterns across northern India.

Early July Arrival Now Possible

Traditionally, the southwest monsoon reaches Delhi around June 27. However, current forecasts suggest that its arrival could be pushed into the first week of July if present weather trends continue.

Last year, the monsoon reached the national capital on June 29, arriving two days later than the standard onset date.

The delayed advance has raised concerns among weather observers because rainfall levels across the country remain significantly below normal.

Rainfall Deficit Remains a Concern

IMD figures show that India received only 51.5 millimetres of rainfall between June 1 and June 19. During the same period, the long-term average stands at 86.7 millimetres, resulting in a nationwide rainfall shortfall of more than 41 percent.

Delhi has also experienced below-normal rainfall this month. Data shows that the city received just 22.7 millimetres of rain between June 1 and June 20. During the corresponding period last year, rainfall measured 88.01 millimetres. The average rainfall expected during June in Delhi is 74.1 millimetres.

Air Quality Continues in Poor Category

Despite the possibility of rainfall, Delhi’s air quality remained in the “poor” category. Several monitoring stations reported elevated Air Quality Index (AQI) readings.

Among the areas recording higher pollution levels were Anand Vihar, Wazirpur, IIT Delhi, Ashok Vihar, DTU, Pusa, Sonia Vihar, R K Puram and Mandir Marg. Other localities including Aya Nagar, Bawana, Chandni Chowk, Cantonment Area, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Mundka, JNU and Nehru Nagar also reported AQI readings indicating unhealthy air conditions.

Weather experts believe that widespread rainfall and stronger winds could help improve air quality levels in the coming days if precipitation activity becomes more consistent.