Delhi Monsoon Delay: IMD Forecasts Arrival in First Week of July

The southwest monsoon is expected to arrive in Delhi in the first week of July, marking its most delayed onset since 2022. The normal date for monsoon onset over New Delhi is June 27, but the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the system will likely advance into Delhi, Chandigarh, and adjoining regions between July 2 and July 8.

In its weekly bulletin issued on June 24, the IMD stated: 'Conditions will become favourable for further advance of the southwest monsoon into the remaining parts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, along with some parts of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi and Rajasthan during the week July 2-8.'

The delayed onset comes after a slow progression of the monsoon across the country. Meteorologists attribute the delay to weaker than normal monsoon currents and unfavourable atmospheric conditions over northern India. Residents can expect relief from the ongoing heat once the monsoon arrives, though the exact timing may vary.