Why Is Delhi’s Monsoon Delayed? IMD Say Arrival Could Be Pushed to July
The southwest monsoon is likely to arrive in Delhi later than usual this year, with weather experts suggesting that the national capital may have to wait until early July for the rainy season to begin.
New Delhi, June 21: The southwest monsoon is likely to arrive in Delhi later than usual this year, with weather experts suggesting that the national capital may have to wait until early July for the rainy season to begin.
Normally, the monsoon reaches Delhi around June 27. However, meteorologists say the system's progress has slowed significantly, with even Mumbai yet to receive the monsoon despite its usual arrival date of June 8. Experts attribute the delay to the absence of a strong weather system over the Bay of Bengal, which typically helps pull the monsoon further north.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon is yet to advance into central India and is expected to move into parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan around June 23. Monsoon 2026: Where Are the Rains? Uneven Advance Leaves Mumbai, Gujarat Waiting.
Why Is the Monsoon Delayed?
Weather experts say the lack of a strong triggering mechanism is slowing the monsoon's advance.
Mahesh Palawat, Vice President of Skymet Weather, said the usual push-and-pull interaction between weather systems over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal is largely missing this year, preventing the monsoon from progressing at its normal pace.
Amateur meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya estimated that Delhi may receive the monsoon between July 6 and July 10, as it typically takes 10 to 15 days for the system to move from central India to northern regions. Will Mumbai Receive Monsoon Rains This Week? IMD Shares Latest Forecast.
Rainfall Deficit Continues Across India
The delayed advance has contributed to a significant rainfall deficit across the country. According to IMD data, India recorded only 51.5 mm of rainfall between June 1 and June 19 against a long-period average of 86.7 mm, resulting in a nationwide deficit of over 41%.
Delhi has also witnessed below-normal rainfall this month. The city has received only 22.7 mm of rain so far in June, compared to 88.01 mm during the same period last year. The normal rainfall for June in Delhi stands at 74.1 mm.
Hot and Humid Conditions to Persist
The delay in monsoon arrival means Delhi residents are likely to continue facing hot and humid weather over the coming days. On Saturday, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 40.2 degrees Celsius, above the seasonal average.
Although the IMD has forecast rain and thunderstorms on Sunday and Monday, temperatures are expected to remain between 36 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius through much of the coming week. Humidity levels are also likely to remain high, making conditions uncomfortable despite occasional showers.
Weather experts said the current rain activity over Delhi is linked to western disturbances and should not be mistaken for the onset of the southwest monsoon.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 21, 2026 08:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
