The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that the monsoon arrived in Delhi-NCR on June 28, setting a five-year record for the earliest onset in the region. However, the wait for sustained rainfall is almost over, as the IMD has revealed the official onset date and predicted a brief hiatus before the monsoon intensifies.
Monsoon Arrives Earlier Than Usual
According to the IMD, the monsoon's arrival in Delhi on June 28 is the earliest since 2021, when it arrived on June 25. This year's onset is 12 days earlier than the normal date of July 10. The early arrival has brought much-needed relief from the scorching heat, with temperatures dropping by several degrees.
The IMD attributed the early onset to favorable conditions, including a strong monsoon current and a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. The weather department stated that the monsoon has covered the entire country, including Delhi, ahead of schedule.
Brief Pause Before More Rain
While the monsoon has arrived, the IMD has indicated that there will be a brief pause in rainfall activity over Delhi-NCR for the next two to three days. The weather department expects light to moderate rain on July 2 and 3, followed by a dry spell until July 6. After that, monsoon conditions are likely to become active again, with heavy rainfall predicted from July 7 onward.
“The monsoon has arrived in Delhi, but we are seeing a temporary weakening of the monsoon trough,” said an IMD official. “We advise residents to expect a lull in rainfall for a few days before the monsoon picks up again.”
Record-Breaking Onset
The early monsoon arrival has broken a five-year record. The last time the monsoon reached Delhi before June 28 was in 2021, when it arrived on June 25. In 2022, the monsoon arrived on June 30; in 2023, it arrived on July 2; and in 2024, it arrived on July 5. This year's onset is also significantly earlier than the long-term average.
The IMD has attributed the early arrival to a combination of factors, including a strong monsoon flow and a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal that helped pull the monsoon northward. The weather department has also noted that the monsoon has covered the entire country by June 28, which is earlier than the normal date of July 1.
Impact on Delhi-NCR
The early monsoon has brought relief from the heat, with maximum temperatures dropping to around 35 degrees Celsius, compared to the 40-degree temperatures experienced earlier in June. The rainfall has also improved air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to the 'satisfactory' category.
However, the IMD has warned that the brief pause in rainfall could lead to a temporary increase in humidity and heat. The weather department has advised residents to stay hydrated and take precautions during the dry spell.
Forecast for July
The IMD has predicted that monsoon conditions will become active again after July 6, with heavy rainfall likely in Delhi-NCR from July 7 to July 10. The weather department has also issued a warning for potential waterlogging and traffic disruptions during this period.
“We expect the monsoon to strengthen after July 6, with widespread rainfall across the region,” said an IMD official. “Residents should be prepared for heavy rain and possible disruptions.”
The IMD has also predicted that the monsoon will be normal to above normal across the country in July, with Delhi expected to receive 100-150 mm of rainfall during the month.
