Monsoon rain to cover Delhi-NCR in two days, temperatures to drop, says IMD

The monsoon has already advanced into parts of Madhya Pradesh, the remaining parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar, some parts of Uttar Pradesh. Here's what's next?

In Short

• Delhi faced heatwave with 42-43ºC max temperatures recently
• Monsoon arrival delayed in recent years including 2025
• Widespread rain and cooler temps expected from July 2-6

The southwest monsoon is expected to cover Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and the remaining parts of Uttar Pradesh within the next two to three days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on June 30.

After days of sticky, rising heat and humidity that left residents sweating through uncomfortable mornings and nights, relief may finally be around the corner for Delhi-NCR.

The weather agency said that conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance into most parts of Haryana, Delhi and Punjab during the next two to three days.

The monsoon update comes after the capital endured an uncomfortable spell of heatwave conditions, soaring daytime temperatures as well as warm nights and high humidity that made the weather feel far hotter than the actual temperature.

Over the past 24 hours, Delhi recorded maximum temperatures of 42-43°C, while minimum temperatures stayed between 29-31°C, up to 5°C above normal.

At the same time, only very light rain fell in isolated parts of the city, allowing moisture-laden air to build up without providing meaningful cooling.

A PATTERN OF DELAYED ARRIVALS

The southwest monsoon usually reaches Delhi around June 27, but it has been years since that normal date was consistently met.

In 2025, the monsoon arrived on June 29, two days late; it reached the capital on June 28 in 2024 and June 30 in 2022. The biggest delay came in 2021, when the monsoon arrived only on July 13, a delay of 16 days.

This year has been no different.

According to the latest update, on June 30, the monsoon has already advanced into parts of Madhya Pradesh, the remaining parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar, some parts of Uttar Pradesh, most of Uttarakhand, and sections of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.

The IMD said the current weather pattern is favourable for its final advance into Delhi-NCR and much of northwest India.

COOLER DAYS AHEAD FOR DELHI-NCR

The IMD expects the weather to change noticeably over the coming days.

While isolated to scattered rainfall is forecast over Delhi-NCR on June 30 and July 1, rainfall is expected to become fairly widespread to widespread between July 2 and July 6, signalling the establishment of the monsoon over the region.

Isolated heavy rainfall is also likely during July 1-3, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.

Along with the rain, temperatures are expected to fall sharply.

Maximum temperatures, which have hovered around 42-43°C in recent days, are forecast to drop to 38-40°C on June 30, 36-38°C on July 1, and further to around 32-34°C by July 2 and 3.

The IMD said temperatures are likely to become appreciably below normal by then, offering much-needed relief from the prolonged spell of hot and humid weather.

For residents of Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad, the arrival of the monsoon is expected to bring cooler conditions, cleaner air and a welcome break from the oppressive pre-monsoon heat.

- Ends