The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi-NCR, forecasting light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. This alert is in effect until June 26. The forecast indicates cooler and wetter days ahead as the monsoon is expected to arrive soon.
As of June 23, the weather in the national capital is quite muggy. The minimum temperature was recorded at 28.4 degrees Celsius with 74% humidity at 8:30 AM. On the same day, the maximum temperature reached 36.2 degrees Celsius, slightly below the seasonal average. The IMD expects the maximum temperature to settle around 36 degrees Celsius.
The yellow alert warns of rain and thunderstorms throughout the day. The winds may reach speeds of 30-40 km/h, especially during the evening and night hours. The IMD advises residents to exercise caution, particularly during outdoor activities, due to the possibility of lightning and gusty winds.
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 96 in the morning, which falls under the ‘satisfactory’ category. The AQI is a measure of air pollution levels. An AQI reading between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, while 51 to 100 is ‘satisfactory’.
The IMD has also forecasted that the monsoon will likely hit Delhi and surrounding areas by June 24. If this occurs, it would be the earliest arrival of the monsoon in the city since 2013. In past years, the monsoon arrived in Delhi on June 28 in 2023, June 30 in 2022, and as late as July 13 in 2021.
Heavy rainfall is also expected in other parts of northwest India. Regions such as Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and the Konkan and Goa areas could experience heavy to very heavy rainfall through June 26. The IMD has warned of extremely heavy rainfall in Madhya Pradesh on June 23 and 24, which may lead to localised flooding.
The southwest monsoon has already advanced over most parts of Himachal Pradesh and the entire Ladakh region. It is also reaching parts of Jammu and Kashmir and some areas of Punjab. The weather department suggests that conditions are suitable for further advancement of the monsoon over Rajasthan, Haryana, and Chandigarh in the coming days.
In summary, residents of Delhi-NCR should prepare for wet weather in the coming days. The IMD has provided these alerts to ensure public safety. It is crucial to stay informed and exercise caution during this period, especially when outdoors. The arrival of the monsoon brings much-needed relief from the heat and is vital for agriculture in the region, making it an important event for farmers and residents alike.