Monsoon Delay Continues: IMD Predicts Dry Weather Across Delhi And Nearby States This Week

The southwest monsoon is unlikely to advance over north India during the next five days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), prolonging heatwave conditions across Delhi and the adjoining National Capital Region (NCR). The weather agency has issued heatwave warnings for Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurugram and nearby areas, which recorded their hottest morning in two years on Monday. As a result, the monsoon is now expected to reach the national capital around July 4, nearly a week later than its normal onset date of June 27.

The IMD said prevailing weather conditions are not favourable for further monsoon advancement at present, delaying much-needed relief from soaring temperatures across northwest India. While the monsoon remains stalled, the department has warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph across several states, including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Similar weather alerts have also been issued for Bihar, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with residents advised to avoid open areas and refrain from sheltering under trees during thunderstorms. Despite the delayed advance in the north, the IMD has forecast heavy rainfall over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Konkan and Goa. Meteorologists said a fresh circulation system is developing over the region and is expected to strengthen the southwest monsoon, helping it resume its progress after the current pause.

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The system could improve rainfall activity across several parts of the country in the coming days. Meanwhile, torrential monsoon rains have triggered flooding in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, affecting more than 45,000 people. Overflowing rivers, damaged roads and bridges, and disrupted rail services have severely impacted connectivity in the region, with authorities continuing relief and restoration efforts in flood-hit areas.

The delayed monsoon has also widened India's seasonal rainfall deficit, raising concerns over water availability and the ongoing kharif sowing season. According to IMD data, the country received 92.2 mm of rainfall between June 1 and June 29 against the normal 157.7 mm, leaving a nationwide deficit of 42 per cent. Central India has recorded the highest shortfall at 54 per cent, followed by East and Northeast India at 41 per cent, Northwest India at 30 per cent, and South Peninsular India at 28 per cent. Meteorologists expect rainfall activity to improve once the developing weather system revives the monsoon's advance.

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