Delhi braces for monsoon with red alert as rainfall begins

Delhi experienced rainfall on Thursday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert, forecasting continued rain and overcast conditions. The monsoon's arrival in the national capital is anticipated around July 3 or 4, signifying the latest onset in five years.

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The monsoon is likely to reach Delhi and adjoining areas around July 3 or 4.

This delayed arrival follows favorable conditions developing across northern and western India, with the Southwest Monsoon advancing significantly. The IMD predicts thunderstorms accompanied by rain daily in Delhi between July 3 and July 7. Temperatures are expected to range from a low of 23-24 degrees Celsius to a high of 33-35 degrees Celsius during this period.

Meanwhile, the monsoon has brought widespread destruction to other parts of India. Seven people have died in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka due to heavy rainfall, which has caused landslides, flooded roads, and significant transport disruptions. Arunachal Pradesh is grappling with flash floods, while Maharashtra has seen heavy rains. The IMD has also warned of significant rainfall over south Bengal in the coming days.

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The arrival will mark the latest monsoon onset over the national capital in five years.

In Navi Mumbai, two girls suffered electric shocks from an exposed live wire on a waterlogged road. The monsoon's delayed entry into Delhi contrasts with previous years; in 2020, it arrived on June 25, and in 2021, it reached Delhi on July 13. The current forecast suggests a return to more typical monsoon patterns after the initial delay.

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Conditions are now becoming favourable for the monsoon's advancement into Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi over the next 24 hours.