National capital has begun experiencing the early onset of monsoon showers, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow alert for the city. On Sunday, Delhi awoke to overcast skies and intermittent light rainfall, signalling a more sustained spell of precipitation expected over the coming days.
As per IMD’s latest forecast, the city is likely to receive heavy rainfall today, with the maximum temperature predicted to hover around 35°C. While last night’s showers were light—Safdarjung recorded 2.6 mm, Palam 0.4 mm, Ayanagar 0.4 mm, and Lodhi Road 0.2 mm—the trend is expected to intensify through the week, bringing much-needed respite and also possible disruption if the downpour is severe.
Weather officials have clarified that no heatwaves are likely in the coming week. Instead, Delhi will continue to witness generally cloudy skies and a pattern of light to moderate rain. Saturday’s maximum temperature settled at 34.5°C, two degrees below normal, while the minimum touched 26.8°C—marking a gradual dip into monsoon comfort. Relative humidity ranged between 61% and 88% through the day, enhancing the sense of atmospheric moisture and indicating a stable transition into the rainy season.
Importantly, Delhi’s air quality remains in the “satisfactory” range according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 85. This is the fifth consecutive day that the capital has recorded AQI readings in this category, reflecting the direct influence of increased humidity, cloud cover, and cleansing rainfall in keeping pollutant levels low.Meanwhile, broader weather developments across the country are setting the tone for an intense monsoon phase. The IMD has issued an orange alert for eight other states, including Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura, warning of “heavy to very heavy rainfall” over several regions in northwestern and central India, including Konkan and Goa, until June 26.
The national weather agency has advised local authorities in these states to remain on alert for potential flooding, landslides, and traffic disruptions, especially in hilly or low-lying regions. In Delhi, municipal bodies have begun preparing for the seasonal stress on urban infrastructure, particularly in areas prone to waterlogging and traffic gridlocks.The onset of rain in the capital comes as a relief for residents who endured a series of heatwaves earlier this month. However, the early arrival of monsoon showers also raises critical concerns about preparedness—especially in terms of stormwater drainage, traffic planning, and public transport reliability.
As the monsoon continues to expand its footprint across northern India, it offers a timely reminder of the delicate balance between ecological renewal and urban resilience. For Delhi, the challenge will be not just in embracing the rains, but also in managing the cascade of civic issues they tend to bring.
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