Delhi is unlikely to experience the arrival of the southwest monsoon by its normal onset date of June 27, according to private weather forecasting agency Skymet. The agency attributes this delay to a stalled monsoon trough, with its western arm remaining over the Konkan region since June 8 and its eastern end near Muzaffarpur, Bihar, for the past five days.
Monsoon Trough Stalled, Slow Progress Expected
Skymet indicates that even if the monsoon trough begins to advance, its progress is expected to be slow due to unfavorable weather conditions. This suggests a delayed monsoon onset for the national capital is highly probable. Despite this, Delhi residents can anticipate continued pre-monsoon showers throughout the week.
These light and short-lived rain and thunderstorms are crucial for keeping temperatures in check, preventing the mercury from soaring above 40 degrees Celsius. The base weather station at Safdarjung has recently recorded maximum temperatures around 33 degrees Celsius, which is nearly 6 degrees below the seasonal normal. Minimum temperatures have also stayed approximately 4 degrees below normal. A marginal rise in temperatures into the higher 30s is anticipated over the next three to four days, likely until Sunday.
Historical Context and Monsoon Preparedness
Historically, Delhi's monsoon arrival has often fallen within a five-day margin of error from its normal date. In 2025, the monsoon reached Delhi on June 29. Notably, 2021 saw one of the city's most delayed onsets on July 13, surpassed only by the 1987 record of July 26.
Amidst the anticipation for the monsoon, Delhi authorities are actively reviewing their preparedness for the season. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta issued a stern warning to officials on Wednesday, emphasizing that any negligence leading to waterlogging would not be tolerated. "If waterlogging occurs in any area, the concerned officer will be held accountable," Gupta stated, urging all departments to maintain alert teams and readiness for any monsoon-related emergencies.
Officials have confirmed plans to appoint a nodal officer for each identified waterlogging point. Furthermore, relief and rescue equipment are being inspected, and evacuation arrangements are being finalized in preparation for potential flooding. The Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) department reported the removal of over 30 lakh metric tonnes of silt from 77 drains, including 22 major ones, with remaining work continuing on a war footing. The department has also implemented a new digital system to provide real-time updates on water levels from the Hathnikund Barrage, water flow in the Palla area, and the Yamuna River.