Monsoon to hit Delhi-NCR with fresh vigour: Satellite spots rain clouds, alert out

Delhi-NCR is likely to see cloudy skies and light rain on August 14-15 as the IMD forecasts a widespread monsoon spell over northwest India. Here's why monsoon is making a comeback.

In Short

• IMD forecasts widespread rainfall over Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi
• Humidity remains high, but temperatures around 34°C max and 27°C min
• Monsoon trough and West Bengal depression influence rain patterns

Delhi-NCR is likely to remain under generally cloudy skies on Friday, August 14, with rain expected at several places through the day and into Saturday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a fairly widespread to widespread spell of rainfall over Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi on August 14-15 as monsoon activity picks up over northwest India.

HUMID WEATHER SET TO GIVE WAY TO RAIN

Delhi has been dealing with warm and sticky conditions in recent days.

The combination of high humidity and limited rainfall has made temperatures feel more uncomfortable, even when the mercury has not risen sharply.

The latest IMD city forecast for New Delhi-Safdarjung indicates a generally cloudy sky on August 14, with a spell of very light rain in a few places during the morning to forenoon.

Another spell of very light to light rain is expected at many places from evening to night. The maximum temperature is forecast to remain around 34°C, with the minimum near 27°C.

Rain chances remain on August 15 as well. The IMD expects one or more spells of very light to light rain, including during the early morning and again later in the day.

WHAT'S BEHIND THE DELHI-NCR RAIN?

The broader weather pattern is favouring a wetter spell across northwest India.

The IMD has forecast fairly widespread to widespread rainfall over Haryana, Delhi and Punjab during August 14-15.

The monsoon trough, an elongated zone of low pressure that helps organise monsoon rainfall, remains an important part of this setup.

At the same time, a depression over coastal West Bengal is influencing rainfall across eastern and central India.

The system developed from a low-pressure area over the north Bay of Bengal and subsequently moved northwestwards across West Bengal.

A low-level circulation over south Haryana has weakened, but the broader monsoon setup remains favourable for rain over Delhi-NCR.

Furthermore, Delhi's forecast does not currently indicate a major heavy-rain spell.

The weather forecast for the city is dominated by very light to light rain, although rainfall can vary considerably across the NCR.

WHAT ABOUT DELHI'S RAIN DEFICIT?

The expected showers could provide some relief to Delhi's rainfall shortfall, but a few light spells alone are unlikely to erase a substantial seasonal deficit.

As of now, from the monsoon onset on June 4 until Thursday, August 13, Delhi is facing a 20% rain deficit.

The IMD's forecast predicts likely rainfall activity over Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi in the coming days, with heavy rain also possible in some places.

For Delhi-NCR residents, the next 36 hours ahead are expected to see cloudy skies and uneven rain, but the forecast says that Delhi is set for a light-rain spell rather than a widespread deluge.

- Ends