Delhiites can expect an early respite from the scorching summer heat as the southwest monsoon is likely to arrive in the capital around June 24, 2025, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This arrival is approximately three days ahead of the normal onset date of June 27.
The IMD has indicated that conditions are becoming increasingly favorable for the monsoon to advance further into Delhi, as well as Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and parts of Punjab and Haryana within the next two to three days. This advancement promises relief from the heatwave conditions that have been affecting several states in the region.
The early arrival of the monsoon in Delhi is part of a broader pattern of the southwest monsoon progressing rapidly across India. The monsoon had reached Kerala on May 24, marking its earliest onset since 2009. It then moved swiftly, aided by strong low-pressure systems over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, covering parts of central Maharashtra and the northeast by May 29. However, its progress stalled for about 18 days, leading to renewed heatwaves in northwest and central India. The monsoon picked up momentum again between June 16 and 18, spurred by new low-pressure systems over West Bengal and Gujarat.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi for the coming days, forecasting rain and thunderstorms. The forecast includes generally cloudy skies with very light to light rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph, with occasional bursts up to 50 kmph during thunderstorms, particularly in the evening or night. This weather pattern is expected to persist, keeping temperatures moderate and paving the way for the monsoon's arrival. The weather agency predicts that Delhi, along with Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, will receive normal rainfall, ranging from 92-108% of the long-period average.
Last year, the monsoon arrived in Delhi on June 25, accompanied by a record-breaking 228.1 mm of rainfall in a single day, the highest since 1936. However, the season concluded with a 19% rainfall deficiency. The city recorded a total of 516.9 mm of rainfall, approximately half of what was received in the monsoon season of 2023.
In addition to bringing relief from the heat, the expected rainfall is also likely to improve Delhi's air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has remained in the "satisfactory" category, and with the onset of the monsoon, it is expected to stay in this range for the next few days, according to forecasts by the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS).
The IMD has also issued warnings about potential travel disruptions and safety risks associated with the thunderstorms. They caution against intense lightning in open areas, which could lead to traffic snarls and delays to flights and trains. Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and unplug electrical devices during storms to prevent lightning-related damage.
