Delhi Weather Alert: Heavy Rains Bring Relief, IMD Predicts More Thunderstorms Ahead

A sudden spell of heavy rain brought welcome relief to Delhiites on Saturday afternoon, as several parts of the capital experienced intense downpours. The sharp change in weather not only cooled temperatures but also signaled the advancing monsoon. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow weather alert for the city and warned of possible thunderstorms later in the evening.

According to the IMD forecast, Delhi's maximum temperature is expected to settle around 35°C, with conditions remaining cloudy and humid. Areas such as RK Puram, Dhaula Kuan, and Delhi Cantt reported heavy showers and thick cloud cover, disrupting normal traffic movement for a short duration.

The Delhi weather alert comes as the IMD predicts active weather conditions to continue from Friday to Monday. Thunderstorms, accompanied by gusty winds and moderate rain, are likely to affect various parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) through the weekend. Residents are advised to stay alert and follow official weather advisories.

Earlier this week, on Tuesday, heavy rainfall lashed multiple parts of the city, forcing the diversion of 12 flights at Delhi airport due to adverse weather. The IMD has confirmed that the southwest monsoon is advancing toward Delhi, and the capital may witness its official onset by June 24.

Last year, the monsoon arrived in Delhi on June 25, bringing a record-breaking 228.1 mm of rainfall in a single day, the highest since 1936. Despite the strong start, the 2023 monsoon season ended with a 19% rainfall deficiency, logging a total of 516.9 mm, well below average. The IMD considers rainfall within ±19% of the average to be normal.

With active cloud movement and moisture-laden winds in play, the Delhi monsoon update suggests that this year could see timely rain with scattered spells continuing over the next few days.