Delhi Heatwave Breaks: Monsoon Rains Arrive This Week!

Delhi is anticipating a respite from one of its hottest and most humid monsoon periods as multiple rain spells are forecast for the upcoming week. The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for Tuesday and Wednesday, predicting light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds across most areas, with the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall on Tuesday. Earlier in the week, Delhi experienced a break in monsoon conditions, leading to elevated temperatures and heat index values.

The expected rainfall will bring down the capital's maximum temperature from a recent high of 38.3°C to between 31°C and 33°C by Tuesday. Temperatures are anticipated to rise slightly to 32°C-34°C from Thursday onwards. This period of dry weather and high temperatures had seen maximum temperatures reaching 39.2°C on Thursday and minimum temperatures hitting 31°C on Friday and Sunday. Delhi has recorded 137.72 mm of rainfall in July so far, below the normal of 209.7 mm.

Experts attribute the recent heat to a lack of rainfall and dry westerly winds, with the monsoon trough remaining near the Himalayan foothills. However, a depression over Odisha is expected to move inland, pulling the trough towards the city and bringing rain by the 21st. Meanwhile, neighboring areas like Gurugram and Gautam Budh Nagar also experienced high temperatures. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida was recorded as 'moderate' on Sunday, with Greater Noida falling into the 'poor' category.