Delhi-NCR is likely to witness a prolonged spell of wet weather through Friday, with intermittent rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds forecast across the region, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The changing weather pattern is expected to bring relief from the prevailing summer heat, with temperatures likely to remain below the seasonal average during the first week of June.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Thursday and Friday, warning of light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds. Wind speeds are expected to range between 40 and 50 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 60 kmph.
The weather office has forecast partly cloudy to generally cloudy skies over the next few days. While no formal alert has been issued for Saturday, similar weather conditions are expected to persist. Meteorologists attributed the rainfall activity to normal pre-monsoon conditions that typically affect northern India during June.
The anticipated showers are expected to keep maximum temperatures below the 40-degree Celsius mark for at least the next six days. Daytime temperatures are likely to remain between 36 degrees Celsius and 39 degrees Celsius during the opening week of June, providing a cooler-than-usual start to the month. The average maximum temperature during the first nine days of June is typically around 40 degrees Celsius.
At Safdarjung, Delhi’s primary weather station, the maximum temperature was recorded at 39.1 degrees Celsius, slightly below the seasonal average, while the minimum temperature settled at 27.4 degrees Celsius, marginally above normal.
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon is expected to reach Kerala on Thursday, marking the onset of India’s annual four-month rainy season. The arrival of the monsoon is a key meteorological event, critical for agriculture, water resources and economic activity across the country.
The IMD has forecast widespread rainfall across several regions, including Kerala and Coastal Karnataka, where heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected over the coming days. Active weather systems over the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas are creating favourable conditions for rainfall across large parts of southern, eastern, northeastern and northwestern India.
The progress of the monsoon is being closely monitored as it influences agricultural operations, water availability and weather patterns nationwide. While southern states prepare for the season’s first substantial rains, northern regions, including Delhi-NCR, are also expected to benefit from increased moisture and pre-monsoon showers.
(With IANS inputs)
