NEW DELHI, 23 June — The southwest monsoon is expected to arrive in the national capital on Tuesday, nearly a week ahead of its usual schedule, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for rain and thunderstorms throughout the day.
The IMD stated that conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance into Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. “There is a strong likelihood of monsoon onset over Delhi by June 24,” an IMD official confirmed, adding that light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning is expected in the coming days.
Private weather forecaster Skymet echoed the prediction, noting that humidity and easterly winds had increased and were conducive to the monsoon’s arrival.
“Monsoon onset over #Delhi is likely by June 24. Light rain may occur today, followed by more widespread showers tomorrow and into the week,” Skymet posted on X.
Typically, monsoon winds reach Delhi around June 30. If Tuesday’s forecast holds, this would mark the earliest onset since 2013, when the city received monsoon showers on June 16. By comparison, the monsoon reached Delhi on June 25 in 2023, June 30 in 2022, and July 13 in 2021.
Delhi has already experienced three rainy days this month with over 2.4 mm of rainfall recorded on each. According to IMD data, the normal rainfall for June in the city is 43.3 mm, but Delhi has already received 89 mm, more than double the average.
The yellow alert, part of the IMD’s colour-coded warning system, urges residents to “be aware” of potentially impactful weather. Authorities have advised caution, particularly for commuters and those in low-lying areas.
The expected early arrival of the monsoon brings welcome relief from persistent heat and high humidity, setting the stage for cooler, wetter conditions across the capital.
