Delhi Braces For Early Monsoon Arrival Tomorrow As IMD Sounds Yellow Alert For Rains

The monsoon is expected to arrive in Delhi on Tuesday, several days ahead of its usual schedule, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD has issued a yellow alert for the national capital, warning of rain, thunderstorms, and lightning throughout the day. This early onset is part of the broader advancement of the southwest monsoon into additional parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi.

Typically, the southwest monsoon reaches Delhi around June 30. However, if rains arrive as predicted on June 24, it will be one of the earliest monsoon onsets in over a decade—second only to 2013, when the monsoon hit Delhi on June 16. In contrast, the monsoon reached Delhi on June 28 last year, June 25 in 2023, June 30 in 2022, and as late as July 13 in 2021.

Yellow Alert In Delhi: Rain, Thunderstorms, Lightning Likely

The IMD forecasts a generally cloudy sky over the next few days with intermittent light to moderate showers. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also likely. The yellow alert, under the IMD’s colour-coded system, urges residents to “be aware” and cautious, particularly in areas prone to waterlogging or flash flooding.

Delhi Rainfall Already Above June Average

So far this month, Delhi has experienced three days with rainfall above 2.4 mm. The city has already surpassed its normal June rainfall average of 43.3 mm, recording 89 mm as of now. Last June, Delhi witnessed heavy rainfall totalling 243.4 mm for the month. On June 28 alone, the Safdarjung weather station logged 228.1 mm—one of the highest single-day totals in recent memory.

With this year’s early arrival and consistent showers, authorities are preparing for similarly intense rainfall events. Emergency teams and drainage systems are being checked in anticipation of possible urban flooding.

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