Delhi continued to reel under sweltering conditions on Friday, with the minimum temperature settling at 31°C—four degrees above the seasonal norm, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). However, a slight relief may be in sight, as the weather office has forecast the possibility of thunderstorms and rain later in the day.
The capital has been gripped by intense heatwave conditions over the past few days, prompting a red alert warning by the IMD. Daytime temperatures have hovered between 41°C and 45°C, significantly impacting daily life across the city. At 8:30 am on Friday, relative humidity stood at 67%, contributing to the discomfort.
Despite the heat, meteorologists indicate a change in the weather pattern. The IMD has predicted partly cloudy skies with a chance of rainfall and thunderstorms in the evening. Such conditions could provide much-needed relief from the persistent heatwave.
Monsoon Progress and Outlook
In a broader forecast, the IMD stated that the southwest monsoon is advancing steadily. After a brief lull, the monsoon has regained momentum over southern India. Since Wednesday, regions including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Konkan, and Maharashtra have witnessed heavy to very heavy rainfall.
According to the extended range forecast, the monsoon is expected to cover the remaining parts of central and eastern India — and parts of northwest India — between June 12 and 18. It is projected to reach most of northwest India, including Delhi, between June 19 and 25.
Typically, the monsoon arrives in Delhi around June 30. However, this year, early onset was observed in southern regions. The monsoon entered Kerala on May 24, ahead of the usual June 1 start, and reached Mumbai by May 26 — a notable 16 days earlier than average.
In recent years, Delhi saw the monsoon arrive on June 28 in 2023, June 30 in 2022, July 13 in 2021, and June 25 in 2020.
With increased rainfall activity in the south and expected northward progress, Delhi residents may soon find some relief from the ongoing heatwave, as monsoon winds inch closer to the capital.
