Monsoon drowns Mumbai, but Delhi-NCR humid and dry at 38°C: When will it rain?

Delhi's heat index crossed 40°C as high humidity made conditions feel far hotter than the actual temperature. But rain is forecast to arrive soon. Here's when.

In Short

• Delhi-NCR felt like 49.1°C due to high humidity on July 6
• Humidity caused by moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds
• Rain expected to lower temperatures to 33°C-36°C, bringing relief

Delhi-NCR endured an unusually uncomfortable start to the week as soaring humidity made the weather feel far hotter than the actual air temperature on Monday, July 6.

Although parts of the region received brief spells of rain, the showers were not widespread enough to provide lasting relief, leaving residents to grapple with sticky conditions and oppressive heat through much of the day.

The capital city saw temperatures hover around 38°C, while the "feels-like" temperature went over 40°C.

The "feels-like" figure combines air temperature and humidity to estimate how hot it feels to the human body.

Furthermore, the human body faces more acute risk in extremely humid conditions than when facing dry heat. High humidity slows the evaporation of sweat, making it harder for the body to cool itself naturally, which could eventually lead to heat strokes.

WHY IS DELHI SO HOT AND HUMID?

Despite the extreme discomfort, Delhi's actual temperature remained well below the heatwave levels recorded earlier this summer.

The IMD's base station at Safdarjung recorded a maximum temperature of 38.6°C, while Palam registered 38.5°C.

The unusually high humidity was caused by moisture-laden winds associated with the active southwest monsoon.

While these winds help produce rain, they also trap moisture in the air before widespread showers arrive, making even moderate temperatures feel much hotter.

Such conditions are common during the early phase of the monsoon, when sunshine between rain spells causes humidity levels to build rapidly.

While Delhi spent Monday in an oven, the IMD has said that relief is in sight for the national capital and surrounding regions.

WHEN WILL IT RAIN IN DELHI?

The IMD has forecast light to moderate rain, thunderstorms and cloudy skies across Delhi-NCR until July 10, which are expected to bring down daytime temperatures while providing respite from the persistent humid conditions.

According to the IMD, Delhi is expected to witness a generally cloudy sky with light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning over the next several days.

Gusty winds are also likely during thunderstorms, and isolated heavy showers cannot be ruled out.

The active southwest monsoon is expected to keep temperatures in check, with maximum temperatures likely to remain around 33°C-36°C, below what is typical during prolonged dry spells.

The forecast comes after the southwest monsoon reached Delhi on July 2, after a delay of 5 days.

Since then, intermittent rain has replaced the intense summer heat, although the combination of sunshine and high humidity has continued to make conditions uncomfortable.

With more rain expected until July 10, residents can look forward to cooler days ahead, even if the weather remains muggy between spells of rainfall.

- Ends