The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that the southwest monsoon is expected to arrive in Delhi, Chandigarh, and nearby regions within the next two days, indicating an earlier-than-usual onset. Monsoon normally arrives in Delhi on June 30, but this time with favorable atmospheric conditions prevailing, its arrival has gained momentum and is likely to reach by June 24.
This premature onset may turn 2025 into one of the few years in which the capital receives monsoon rain showers before June ends. Delhi last experienced such an early onset in 2013, when the onset occurred on June 16.
Weather Alerts and Rainfall Forecast
The IMD has put Delhi and the surrounding area on yellow alert for moderate to heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds in the next few days.
The weather forecast includes cloudy skies, the temperature falling to its maximum, and increasing humidity a general sign of monsoon onset.
Heavy to very heavy rain will occur in northwest India, such as part of Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, from June 22 to June 26. Scattered places of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat could even see extremely heavy rain by June 24.
Impact on Daily Life and Precautions
The onset of the monsoon means the people would get relief from the scorching summer heat soon. The IMD has issued a warning, especially for regions prone to waterlogging. Commuters to work are requested to monitor traffic updates and avoid routes which become flooded. The residents are also asked to stay indoors during rain and not take refuge under trees or metallic roofs.
The yellow warning persists at least until June 26, with daily weather displaying steady rain and occasional thunderstorms.
An Insight into the Overall Monsoon Advance
Southwest monsoon has already advanced in the major portions of Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and Jammu & Kashmir and is gradually advancing in Rajasthan and Punjab. The conditions are also good for further advancement of Southwest Monsoon over the North Arabian Sea.
This overall progress also indicates an active monsoon phase, prolonged over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Bihar, West Uttar Pradesh, east Rajasthan; heavy fall at scattered locations over Assam and Meghalaya, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gangetic West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Konkan and Goa, coastal Karnataka, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam.
Remote areas of Marathwada experienced thunderstorms with sudden onset of extremely strong winds of 60 to 120 kmph, while the same over some parts of Madhya Maharashtra, Konkan, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Gangetic West Bengal experienced wind speeds of 40 to 60 kmph.
The premature arrival of the southwest monsoon in Delhi and Chandigarh is owing to a relief for the inhabitants as well as the farmers themselves. While it brings them relief from the heat, it also means that they need to prepare themselves for the ensuing problem of excessive rain. With the IMD keenly monitoring, spot reports will protect citizens and prevent much disruption.