Delhi-NCR experienced warm and humid conditions on Monday morning as residents continued to endure uncomfortable weather amid the delayed arrival of the southwest monsoon.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast cloudy skies, light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds over parts of the national capital region, offering the possibility of relief from the prevailing heat as monsoon conditions become more favourable across North India.
In its latest weather bulletin, the IMD said conditions are conducive for the further advance of the southwest monsoon over several parts of North India during the next five to six days. The monsoon is expected to advance into more areas of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand over the next two to three days, followed by parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and southeast Rajasthan during the subsequent two to three days.
Despite the expected monsoon progress, the weather department has warned of heatwave conditions, with severe heat likely to persist over parts of Uttar Pradesh on July 28 and 29.
Private weather forecasting agency Skymet has projected that the southwest monsoon could reach Delhi around July 4, provided current atmospheric conditions remain favourable.
Meanwhile, Delhi recorded its warmest morning in nearly two years, with the minimum temperature settling at 31.1 degrees Celsius, 3.2 degrees above the seasonal average. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 41.8 degrees Celsius, intensifying discomfort across the capital.
The last time Delhi registered a higher minimum temperature was on June 14, 2024, when it touched 33.3 degrees Celsius.
According to the IMD, heatwave conditions have prevailed over the national capital, with the “feels-like” temperature, or heat index, reaching around 50.7 degrees Celsius on Sunday evening due to the combined effect of high temperatures and elevated humidity. The department has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall on Monday, which could provide some relief.
The city’s actual maximum temperature on Sunday was 41.3 degrees Celsius, about 4.1 degrees above normal, while the heat index rose to 51.3 degrees Celsius, reflecting the impact of persistent humidity on perceived temperatures.
Meteorologists attributed the oppressive weather to a high wet-bulb temperature of 29.77 degrees Celsius and humidity levels ranging between 35 and 63 per cent, reducing the body’s ability to cool itself through perspiration.
The IMD said humidity is likely to remain high over the coming days, resulting in continued hot and uncomfortable weather until the monsoon reaches the capital.
Elsewhere in Uttar Pradesh, heatwave conditions persisted, with Prayagraj recording a maximum temperature of 43.4 degrees Celsius and Lucknow registering 39.7 degrees Celsius, 3.6 degrees above normal. The IMD has forecast isolated heatwave conditions along with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh over the next 24 hours.
(With inputs from IANS)
