The southwest monsoon, which has already made its onset over Kerala, is steadily advancing across the country and is expected to reach Delhi-NCR between June 25 and June 30, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The arrival of the monsoon is likely to bring much-needed relief from the summer heat across northern India, while also triggering significant changes in weather patterns over the coming weeks.
As per the IMD's latest monsoon progression map, the monsoon is expected to cover Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad during the final week of June. During the same period, the rain-bearing system is also likely to advance into parts of Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh.
Meteorologists have indicated that the active phase of the monsoon could result in heavy rainfall in several northern and Himalayan regions, including Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Authorities are keeping a close watch on weather developments as the seasonal system progresses northward.
The normal onset date of the southwest monsoon over Delhi is June 27. Last year, however, the monsoon reached the national capital on June 29, two days later than usual. Current forecasts suggest that this year's arrival could once again occur around June 29-30, indicating a possible slight delay.
The IMD has emphasized that the actual timing of the monsoon's arrival depends on several meteorological factors, including the strength of seasonal winds from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, the formation of low-pressure systems, and prevailing atmospheric conditions. As these factors continue to evolve, forecasts may be revised in the coming days.
Ahead of the monsoon's arrival, Delhi is expected to experience light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms on Saturday. The IMD has forecast wind speeds ranging from 40 to 50 kmph, with isolated gusts reaching up to 60 kmph.
The maximum temperature in the capital is likely to remain between 35°C and 37°C, while the minimum temperature is expected to range from 24°C to 26°C.
Delhi-NCR recently witnessed widespread rainfall due to an active western disturbance, bringing substantial relief from scorching temperatures. Pleasant weather conditions persisted on Friday, with the Safdarjung weather station recording a minimum temperature of 26°C and a maximum temperature of 35.8°C.
The southwest monsoon officially entered the Indian mainland through Kerala on June 4, marking the beginning of the country's crucial rainy season. Since then, the monsoon has been advancing rapidly, delivering widespread rainfall across several southern and coastal regions.
While southern states are already experiencing monsoon conditions, large parts of northern and central India continue to grapple with intense pre-monsoon heat and humidity.
Even as monsoon activity strengthens elsewhere, the IMD has warned of heatwave conditions in parts of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh over the coming days. Residents in affected regions have been advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and consume cooling beverages such as buttermilk and oral rehydration fluids.
The weather department has also urged citizens to keep track of official forecasts and advisories as conditions can change rapidly during the transition from summer to the monsoon season.
With the southwest monsoon steadily progressing northward, India is entering a critical phase of its annual weather cycle. The coming weeks are expected to bring widespread rainfall, relief from extreme temperatures, and significant impacts on agriculture, water resources, and daily life across much of the country.
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