Monsoon Set to Arrive Delhi by July 4 as Heatwave Intensifies Across Northern India

The southwest monsoon is expected to reach Delhi by around July 4 if favourable weather conditions continue, according to private weather forecaster Skymet, while the India Meteorological Department has forecast further advancement of the monsoon across several northern states over the next five to six days. The weather office said conditions are favourable for the monsoon to progress into more parts of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, southeast Rajasthan, and sections of the North Arabian Sea in phases over the coming days, bringing much-awaited relief to several heat-affected regions.

Despite the expected arrival of the monsoon, Delhi continued to experience intense heat on Sunday. The national capital recorded a minimum temperature of 31.1 degrees Celsius, its warmest morning in two years, while the maximum temperature rose to 41.8 degrees Celsius. The IMD said a heatwave prevailed over the city, with the "feels-like" temperature touching nearly 50.7 degrees Celsius during the evening due to the combination of high temperatures and humidity. However, thunderstorms accompanied by rain have been forecast for Monday, which could provide temporary relief.

According to Skymet, the delayed onset of the monsoon and the interaction between dry westerly winds from Pakistan and moisture-laden southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea have kept temperatures and humidity unusually high in Delhi. Meteorologists explained that while clouds have been forming during the afternoon, insufficient moisture has prevented widespread rainfall. As a result, temperatures continue to climb before cloud cover develops, leading to exceptionally high daytime temperatures and uncomfortable humidity levels.

Also Read: IMD Forecasts Southwest Monsoon Arrival In Mumbai Within 48 Hours

Elsewhere, the IMD warned of heatwave conditions, which could become severe in parts of Uttar Pradesh over the next two days, even as isolated thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are expected in eastern districts. Prayagraj recorded one of the state's highest maximum temperatures at 43.4 degrees Celsius, while Lucknow registered 39.7 degrees Celsius, significantly above the seasonal average. The weather department said changing atmospheric conditions may bring scattered rainfall and thunderstorms to parts of the state as the monsoon gradually advances.

In the Himalayan region, the meteorological centre in Shimla predicted a wet spell across Himachal Pradesh until July 4 due to the influence of a fresh western disturbance expected from July 2. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph have been forecast for several districts, while light rainfall has already been reported in areas including Shimla, Kangra and Mandi. Similar weather conditions are expected in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand, where authorities have issued weather alerts for thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in isolated locations.

The IMD has also forecast scattered rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds across Punjab and Haryana over the coming days, while rainfall activity is expected to intensify across southeastern and eastern Rajasthan from July 2. Moderate to heavy rain has been predicted for parts of the Kota and Udaipur divisions. Weather officials have advised residents in affected regions to remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions as the southwest monsoon continues its gradual advance across northern India over the first week of July.

Also Read: Delhi Braces For Severe Thunderstorms as IMD Warns of 60+ kmph Winds, Heavy Showers