While the southwest monsoon arrived in Delhi earlier than its scheduled onset date of June 30, the national capital and surrounding regions are yet to witness consistent and widespread rainfall. However, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), weather conditions are expected to shift significantly in the coming days, with increased rain activity and thunderstorms likely throughout the week.
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Early Monsoon, But Disappointing Show So Far
This year, monsoon winds reached Delhi around June 26, a few days ahead of their usual schedule. While this early arrival gave hope for a cool and wet July, the actual rain performance so far has been below average. Residents have mostly experienced humid conditions, overcast skies, and intermittent light drizzles — but no significant downpour.
The lack of rain has caused temperatures to remain high during the day, creating an uncomfortable mix of heat and humidity, especially in central and southern Delhi zones.
Rainfall Expected This Week: IMD Issues Alert
The IMD weather forecast for Delhi predicts light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms from Monday through Thursday (July 8–11). The maximum rainfall is expected between July 9 and July 10, with chances of strong gusty winds (30–40 km/h) and cloud-to-ground lightning in isolated areas.
? Areas likely to receive rain include:
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Central Delhi (Connaught Place, Karol Bagh)
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South Delhi (Saket, Greater Kailash)
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East Delhi (Mayur Vihar, Laxmi Nagar)
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Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram in the NCR
The IMD’s regional weather bulletin notes that “conditions remain favourable for further advancement of monsoon currents over northwest India, including Delhi-NCR.”
Delhi Weather Today: Temperature Update
Despite some early morning cloud cover, maximum temperatures on Monday remained around 37°C, while minimum temperatures hovered near 28°C. The relative humidity during the afternoon shot up to over 75%, making the weather extremely sticky and uncomfortable, especially for office-goers and daily commuters.
As per meteorologists, temperatures will gradually drop in the coming days once steady rainfall begins across the capital and NCR.
Rainfall Stats: How Much Has Delhi Received So Far?
According to IMD data, Delhi has received only 28% of its average July rainfall so far. The capital typically receives around 210 mm of rain in July, but as of July 7, the recorded amount stands at just over 58 mm.
| Zone | Recorded Rainfall (as of July 7) |
|---|---|
| Palam | 52.4 mm |
| Ridge Area | 60.7 mm |
| Safdarjung | 57.8 mm (official IMD base) |
| Lodhi Road | 59.1 mm |
| Ayanagar | 56.3 mm |
Meteorologists attribute the monsoon deficit to the lack of strong low-pressure systems from the Bay of Bengal, which typically trigger heavy rainfall across northern India.
What’s Causing the Delay in Rainfall?
Several weather experts explain that the break in monsoon is due to a weakening of the monsoon trough, which normally drives rain-bearing systems toward northern India. This year, however, frequent shifts in the monsoon axis have kept heavy showers restricted to central and eastern India.
Additionally, El Niño effects, which cause uneven distribution of rainfall across South Asia, are also being cited as a possible reason behind the patchy rains in Delhi-NCR.
Impact on Residents: Traffic, Health & Water Concerns
Traffic Disruptions
Even with light rain, Delhi’s traffic situation becomes chaotic. Waterlogging in areas like I.T.O., Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar, and parts of Dwarka and Rohini slows down vehicle movement during peak hours.
Health Issues
The rise in humidity has also led to an increase in seasonal illnesses, including:
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Skin rashes
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Dehydration
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Respiratory allergies due to pollution mixing with moist air
Doctors are advising people to:
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Stay hydrated
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Avoid street food
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Wear breathable cotton clothes
Water Supply Strain
Low rainfall has also affected the groundwater recharge rate, especially in outskirts like Najafgarh, Narela, and Bawana, where water table levels are already under stress.
Delhi-NCR Monsoon Forecast: The Week Ahead
| Date | Weather Outlook | Rain Possibility |
|---|---|---|
| July 8 (Tue) | Cloudy with light showers | 60% |
| July 9 (Wed) | Moderate rain, thunderstorms | 80% |
| July 10 (Thu) | Light to moderate rain | 70% |
| July 11 (Fri) | Intermittent rain, humid | 50% |
| July 12 (Sat) | Cloudy, mild temperatures | 40% |
While Delhi residents are eagerly waiting for monsoon relief, the IMD’s forecast offers some optimism. Thunderstorms and moderate rain are expected this week, which should help reduce temperature and improve air quality. However, a consistent monsoon pattern is still lacking — and experts warn that full-scale rainfall may still take a few more days to stabilize.
For now, Delhiites should be prepared for humid mornings, traffic disruptions, and sporadic showers, while hoping that the monsoon finally settles in by mid-July.
