Delhiites, and Gurgaon and Faridabad residents woke up to overcast and comfortable weather this morning even though IMD had issued a Yellow Alert for the region, predicting heavy rains. With days of sizzling temperatures and high humidity, the development is definitely a respite for much awaiting Delhi-NCR but also leaving the biggest question of all in everyone’s mind — when is the monsoon finally going to make a proper landfall?
Yellow Alert: What it means for Delhi-NCR
IMD has given a Yellow Alert warning for Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Noida and other places, signifying the chances of moderate/heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and squall. Commuters have been warned to adjust their travel schedules and be prepared to deal with waterlogging and traffic congestion in low-lying and narrow places.
Yellow Alert warns residents to be mindful of altering weather conditions but is not for a serious threat at the moment.
The Capital’s Weather in Recent Days
In the last one week, Delhi-NCR has also seen pre-monsoon showers, giving some relief from the blistering heat. But these showers have been regional in nature and not enough to declare the onset of the Southwest Monsoon.
The day temperatures of the city have been oscillating between 36°C and 39°C for over a week now and since humidity is also high, people are feeling uncomfortable. Parts of the country experienced dust storms and strong winds as these storms joined in with the more unsettled weather.
Rain expected throughout today, meanwhile, will help to cool the city down a bit and improve air quality, which was starting to get not so jolly after the past few dry weeks.
So, When Will the Monsoon Actually Arrive?
The Southwest Monsoon has already entered parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh and is expected to arrive in Delhi-NCR in the next 2-4 days, IMD officials said. Delhi usually receives the monsoon by June 27-29, but the wind system was weak in May, so its arrival has been late this year, officials said.
Meteologists estimate that conditions are ripening for the monsoon to advance northward into northern India by early next week, as moisture-rich winds from the Arabian Sea are solidifying and the low-pressure system over eastern India is gaining strength.
In other words — the monsoon contributing in atmosphere, Delhi-NCR may also receive the monsoon within this week itself if the favorable weather systems maintain the building process.
Havoc of Excessive Rain on Daily Lives
With the rain, the city will get respite from heat, but residents also have to brace for:
Traffic jams: Waterlogging may also cause traffic slowing down on major routes such as the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, Mathura Road and Outer Ring Road.
Power cuts: Areas of Delhi and its satellite towns experience local power outages in heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Flight Cancellations: Delhi Airport (IGI) is not expected to be shut down, but delays or cancellations in flights are possible if the weather takes a turn for the worst.
Urban flooding risk: Saket, Lajpat Nagar, Dwarka, and some parts of Old Delhi are at risk of water-logging during heavy rainfall.
Authorities advised people not to travel during peak rain hours and to get the latest from official weather messages.
How will Monsoon pan out for Delhi NCR in the next few weeks?
After the monsoon onset, Delhi and other towns and cities of the neighbourhood are expected to receive above-normal rainfall based on the IMD’s seasonal forecast. This might help alleviate the current water scarcity concerns at certain locations in NCR – but may also create new problems like:
Mosquito breeding up and associated illnesses like dengue and malaria.
Construction and real estate work delays.
Strain on drainage systems, which are already overtaxed in many urban areas.
Meanwhile a silver lining is that the rains are likely to benefit the Kharif sowing in the adjoining rural hinterlands of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh which are lifeline for the food economy and rural livelihoods.
For Residents during Yellow Alert
Take an umbrella or rain gear if you go outside.
Review traffic apps or reports for how to stay clear of flooding.
Watch out for downed power lines and poles in submerged streets.
At home, make sure rooftop drains and balconies are not obstructed.
Have emergency supplies (torches, candles, and battery backups) ready in the event of power cuts.
Conclusion
Though today’s rainfall may come as a temporary relief but a proper onset of the Southwest Monsoon over Delhi-NCR is just around the corner, possibly coming this week. Until then, more heavy showers and thunderstorms will follow and rain down on the area peace-wise.
Citizens need to keep themselves prepared for both the happiness of monsoon and its typical urban woes. Follow weather alerts from the IMD and local administrations for further updates.
Stay dry, stay safe — and enjoy the magic of the monsoon when it finally makes its way to Delhi-NCR!
