The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted an above-normal monsoon season for Delhi this year, with rainfall expected to reach 114% of the long period average (LPA) for the region comprising Delhi, Chandigarh, and Haryana. The forecast covers the months of June to September, marking a promising outlook for the capital and surrounding areas.
According to IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the normal monsoon rainfall for this subdivision is 431 millimeters. The recent monsoon forecast also indicates that the country as a whole is set to receive above-normal rainfall, at 106% of the LPA.
Delhi has already recorded 186.4 mm of rainfall in May, making it the wettest May on record for the city. IMD has issued a yellow alert for Thursday and Friday, forecasting light rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h. Further rainfall is expected toward the end of the month, with light showers possible on Saturday as well.
While the monsoon typically arrives in Delhi around June 27, the season is advancing faster than usual this year. The monsoon reached Kerala on May 24, a week ahead of schedule, and its onset was declared over Mumbai on May 26, weeks before the normal June 11 date. IMD officials are closely monitoring the progress to determine the exact timing for Delhi’s monsoon arrival.
Last year, Delhi experienced heavy rainfall in June, recording 243.4 mm compared to the normal 74.1 mm for the month. A significant portion of this was due to a single day of 228 mm on June 28, which caused widespread flooding.
On the temperature front, Delhi’s maximum temperature rose to 37.4°C on Tuesday from 35.1°C the previous day, though it remains slightly below average. Temperatures are expected to reach 38-40°C on Wednesday and Thursday before dropping to 35-37°C following the anticipated rainfall.
Air quality in the city remains in the moderate range, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) rising to 133 on Tuesday afternoon, compared to 105 on Monday.
Residents are advised to stay prepared for the upcoming weather changes as the monsoon season progresses.
Sources By Agencies
