The Indian Meteorological Department forecasts monsoon arrival in Delhi within a week, citing favorable conditions across North India, while heatwaves persist in parts of Uttar Pradesh.
Delhi may see the first monsoon showers by 4 July, according to IMIM and private forecaster SkyMet. Extreme heat continues in several northern states, prompting weather alerts.
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New Delhi – The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and private weather service SkyMet have indicated that the monsoon could reach the national capital within the next five to six days, ending a prolonged spell of intense heat and humidity that has gripped the city.
After weeks of scorching temperatures, forecasters say the prevailing atmospheric patterns are now conducive for the monsoon to move further north. IMD expects that, over the next 5‑6 days, several parts of North India will experience conditions favorable for the monsoon’s advance. The agency notes that the system may reach Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand within two to three days, although some interior districts of Uttar Pradesh could still face dry “lu” (heat‑wave) conditions.
SkyMet’s analysis adds that, if current weather trends persist, Delhi could receive its first measurable rain by 4 July. The service points to the collision of dry westerlies from Pakistan with moisture‑laden south‑westerly winds from the Arabian Sea as a factor slowing the monsoon’s progress. This interaction has increased temperature and humidity levels across the region but has so far prevented widespread rainfall.
Meteorologist Mahesh Palawat, Vice‑President (Weather & Climate) at SkyMet, explained that Delhi usually experiences the onset of monsoon around 27‑28 June, but this year a delay of roughly a week is possible. He highlighted that clouds are forming in the afternoon as the two air masses meet, yet insufficient moisture hampers the development of heavy showers. Consequently, daily maximum and “feels‑like” temperatures remain unusually high.
Extreme heat records were set on Sunday, when the city logged a minimum temperature of 31.1 °C—about 3.2 °C above normal—and a peak of 41.8 °C. IMD reported that, by 5:30 p.m., temperatures approached 50.7 °C in some pockets, prompting a warning for possible thunderstorms and rain later in the week. Nearby Uttar Pradesh cities recorded similarly high readings, with Prayagraj reaching 43.4 °C and Lucknow 39.7 °C. The state’s authorities have already issued heat‑wave alerts for 28‑29 June, while eastern districts may see occasional thunderstorms.
In the Himalayan states, the outlook varies. IMD projects that Himachal Pradesh will continue to receive rain through 4 July, with isolated showers already reported in Shimla, Kangra and Mandi. A new western disturbance is expected to affect north‑western India from 2 July, bringing gusts of 30‑40 km/h and thunderstorm warnings across different parts of Himachal. Meanwhile, Jammu & Kashmir recorded maximum temperatures of 33.8 °C in Srinagar and 37 °C in Jammu, with pre‑monsoon showers forecast for the plains of Jammu on 29 June, potentially accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds.
Overall, the weather services emphasize that while the monsoon’s arrival in Delhi is imminent, the transition phase will feature a mix of high heat, intermittent cloud cover, and brief thunderstorm activity. Residents are urged to stay alert for sudden temperature spikes and to follow any advisories issued by local authorities.
Authorities will continue to monitor the situation, and updates will be issued as the monsoon moves further inland.
