Monsoon Set to Soak Delhi Today, IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Rain
New Delhi — The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that the southwest monsoon is expected to arrive in Delhi today, earlier than its typical late-June onset. A yellow alert has been issued for the capital, forecasting light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds with speeds of 30 to 40 kmph throughout the day. This marks a potential shift from recent heatwave conditions, offering relief to residents.
According to the IMD, favorable weather patterns are driving the monsoon’s advance into Delhi, alongside parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. If the monsoon arrives as predicted, it will be the earliest onset since 2013, when rains reached the city on June 16. In contrast, the monsoon arrived on June 28 in 2024, June 25 in 2023, June 30 in 2022, and July 13 in 2021. Private forecaster Skymet Weather echoed the IMD’s prediction, stating on X that Delhi’s monsoon onset is likely today, with humidity and easterly winds contributing to a temperature drop.
Delhi’s weather on Sunday showed signs of change, with a maximum temperature of 36.2°C, slightly below the seasonal average, and a minimum of 28.4°C. Humidity levels reached 78% by evening, making conditions uncomfortable despite only 0.1 mm of rain recorded on Saturday. The IMD forecasts maximum temperatures of 34–36°C and minimums of 25–27°C over the next few days, with cloudy skies and chances of light showers or thunderstorms.
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The yellow alert, part of the IMD’s color-coded warning system, urges residents to stay aware of potentially disruptive weather. So far this June, Delhi has recorded 89 mm of rainfall, exceeding the monthly average of 43.3 mm. Last year, the city saw 243.4 mm in June, well above the norm of 74.1 mm, with a single day of 228.1 mm on June 28, 2024, according to IMD data.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported Delhi’s air quality as “satisfactory” on Sunday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 98 at 4 pm. Light rains and winds have helped disperse pollutants, offering a temporary reprieve from pollution concerns.
Residents are advised to monitor weather updates and exercise caution during thunderstorms, as the monsoon’s arrival could bring waterlogging and traffic disruptions, as seen in past rainy spells.