Delhi's Monsoon Onset: Humidity, Not Heavy Rain
The official arrival of the southwest monsoon in Delhi on July 2 has brought more muggy conditions than relief. Residents are experiencing high "feels-like" temperatures and persistent humidity, questioning the lack of sustained rainfall typical of the season.
Why the Delay? Monsoon Trough's Shift
Weather experts explain that cyclonic circulations over Madhya Pradesh and a low-pressure area over Odisha have pulled the monsoon trough towards central India. This shift has resulted in reduced rainfall over the national capital, despite the official onset of the monsoon.
Mahesh Pehlawat, Vice President of Skymet Weather, indicated that the trough is expected to gradually move back towards Delhi and the Indo-Gangetic plains. This repositioning should increase the likelihood of more widespread and consistent monsoon showers, bringing much-needed relief.
IMD Forecast and Recent Weather
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has echoed this outlook, issuing an orange alert for Monday, forecasting generally cloudy skies with moderate rainfall across the national capital.
Despite the forecast, Delhi experienced hot and humid conditions on Monday. Temperatures were expected to hover around 32°C (maximum) and 27°C (minimum). Sunday marked Delhi's hottest July day in two years, reaching 38.6°C, two degrees above the seasonal average. Brief, moderate showers on Sunday afternoon provided some relief in areas like Chhatarpur (49 mm) and Gurugram (35 mm), but also caused waterlogging and traffic disruptions. Relative humidity reached 92% by evening.
Significant Rainfall Deficit Continues
From June 1 to June 30, Delhi recorded only 32.91 mm of rain against a normal of 74.1 mm, indicating a substantial 55.6% deficit for the month. As the monsoon trough repositions towards north India in the coming days, experts anticipate the capital will finally receive the typical widespread and sustained rainfall needed to narrow this deficit and provide lasting relief from the persistent heat and humidity.