The much-awaited monsoon has officially arrived in Delhi-NCR, bringing with it a refreshing change in weather. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the monsoon’s onset early Monday, accompanied by light to moderate rainfall, gusty winds, and thunderstorms across the capital and surrounding regions.

The monsoon showers led to a sharp dip in temperatures, offering much-needed respite from the sweltering heat of recent weeks. More importantly, the air quality in Delhi — often among the worst in the world — showed noticeable improvement due to the rains and high wind speeds.

 Dark Clouds Blanket Delhi-NCR as Rain Marks Monsoon Onset

Monday morning in Delhi-NCR began with overcast skies, intense cloud formations, and a pleasant cool breeze. Light to moderate rain showers were reported in various parts of Central Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad. The rain was accompanied by winds clocking up to 50 km/h in certain areas, with isolated incidents of thunderstorms and lightning strikes.

The IMD stated that the monsoon had reached the capital on schedule and that the next few days will bring intermittent showers across the entire National Capital Region.

 Temperature Drops by Several Degrees

The arrival of rain brought instant relief from the rising mercury levels that Delhiites have endured throughout June. According to IMD data, the maximum temperature dropped by 4 to 6°C across most of Delhi and adjoining cities. In Lodhi Road, for instance, the temperature fell from a previous day high of 41°C to 35°C after the showers.

This shift not only eased the discomfort but also reduced the pressure on the city’s power grid, which had been strained by high air-conditioner usage due to the heatwave.

 Rainfall Helps Clean the Air: AQI Improves Significantly

The Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi, which had been hovering in the ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ categories during the last two weeks, saw a significant improvement post rainfall. With dust particles and pollutants being washed out by the rain and dispersed by strong winds, the AQI moved to the ‘moderate’ category in several areas including RK Puram, Dwarka, and Anand Vihar.

Environmental experts noted that the improvement, though temporary, provides a critical breathing window for residents and is likely to continue as long as the monsoon conditions persist.

IMD Weather Forecast for the Week Ahead

The India Meteorological Department has issued a 5-day forecast for Delhi and surrounding NCR regions, warning of occasional thunderstorms, strong surface winds, and moderate to heavy showers, especially in the evening and nighttime hours.

Here is the Delhi-NCR Weather Forecast for the coming days:

Impact on Daily Life: Waterlogging and Traffic Disruptions

While the monsoon showers were largely welcomed, they also brought temporary traffic snarls and minor waterlogging in several parts of Delhi-NCR. Areas like Minto Road, ITO, Noida Sector 62, and Gurugram’s Sohna Road witnessed slow-moving traffic due to accumulated water.

Municipal bodies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Public Works Department (PWD), have deployed emergency response teams to clear clogged drains and prevent flooding in sensitive zones.

Commuters are advised to plan travel accordingly and avoid flood-prone routes during peak rainfall hours.

Monsoon Timeline: From Kerala to Delhi

The southwest monsoon made its onset over Kerala on May 29, and since then, it has steadily progressed northward, covering Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and now Delhi by June 30 — right on schedule.

Meteorologists report that the 2025 monsoon is normal to slightly above normal, and the capital city is expected to receive around 95–105% of its seasonal rainfall quota. This is welcome news for both farmers in Delhi’s rural belts and urban water management systems, which depend heavily on monsoon rains to recharge water bodies.

Agriculture and Groundwater Replenishment

The timely arrival of the monsoon in Delhi-NCR is also beneficial for horticulture and agriculture activities in peripheral districts such as Najafgarh, Narela, and Bawana. Farmers have begun sowing paddy, bajra, and vegetables, as the wet conditions aid germination.

Additionally, the consistent rain showers are expected to help recharge groundwater tables, which have been critically low in parts of South Delhi and Gurugram.

What Should Residents Do?

In light of the weather forecast, residents are advised to take the following precautions:

• Carry umbrellas or raincoats when stepping out.

• Avoid low-lying roads during heavy rain to prevent getting stuck in waterlogged zones.

• Secure loose objects on balconies and rooftops due to gusty winds.

• Monitor weather updates via IMD alerts and local news platforms.

• Keep emergency contacts and power banks ready in case of disruptions.

The arrival of the 2025 monsoon in Delhi-NCR has brought smiles to residents across the region, offering relief from soaring summer temperatures and improving the city’s air quality. However, the rains come with their own set of challenges, especially for urban infrastructure and daily commuters.

As more showers are expected in the coming days, the focus will be on balancing celebration with caution, especially in areas vulnerable to waterlogging and traffic congestion.

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