After multiple missed forecasts and rising anticipation, the monsoon is now expected to arrive in Delhi within the next 24 hours, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). A yellow alert has been issued for Thursday, with predictions of light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across various parts of the capital.
The arrival of the monsoon has been delayed twice first forecasted for June 24, then expected on Wednesday both of which didn’t materialise. However, the IMD now says that conditions are finally favourable for the southwest monsoon to advance over Delhi, along with the remaining parts of western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
In its latest statement, the IMD confirmed that the monsoon has already progressed into several parts of these states and is likely to cover the national capital on Thursday. On Wednesday night, cloudy skies and light rain were observed in areas like Pushp Vihar and Narela, giving a teaser of the coming spell.
Despite a marginal dip in daytime temperatures Safdarjung recorded a maximum of 34.9°C, two degrees below normal humidity levels shot up, ranging from 73% to 88%, making the day uncomfortable. The heat index, or ‘feel-like’ temperature, soared to 48.1°C by 5:30 pm, even though the actual temperature was 33.8°C, due to intense moisture in the air.
On Thursday, the maximum temperature is likely to hover between 33°C and 35°C, as per the IMD. Moderate rainfall is expected to offer some much-needed relief from the stifling humidity. The monsoon season in Delhi is anticipated to bring normal rainfall, typically between 92% and 108% of the long-period average.
Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 132 at 4 pm on Wednesday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
As Delhi prepares for the long-awaited downpour, residents can finally look forward to some relief from the sticky summer heat — though the real test will be how well the city handles the first wave of monsoon showers.