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IMD Flags Early Monsoon For Entire Nation, Delhi on ‘Yellow Alert’

June 29, 2025, 5:07 pm

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced that the whole country, including Delhi, had been covered by the southwest monsoon as of June 29—nine days earlier than its scheduled time.

The oncoming of the monsoon over the capital took two days more than the regular date of June 27, but overall coverage was much earlier than the regular July 8 mark. IMD has also issued a yellow alert for Delhi for Sunday, predicting the steady occurrence of light to moderate rain.

Monsoon Covers Entire Country

In a statement on Sunday, the IMD confirmed that the monsoon had extended to the rest of Rajasthan, western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi. “The southwest monsoon has advanced further into the remaining parts of Rajasthan, West Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, and the whole Delhi area today. Hence, it covered the whole country on June 29, instead of the normal date of July 8,” the department said.

Last year, monsoon coverage finished on July 2—six days ahead of schedule. This year, the trend was repeated. The monsoon arrived in Kerala on May 24, a week ahead of schedule. It reached Mumbai by May 26, almost two weeks before the normal onset date of June 11.

Early Start, Then a Temporary Stall

Even after the premature onset in the south, the monsoon underwent a ‘break’ in activity in the first week of June. The IMD reported its advance march halting before resuming on June 12.

IMD repeatedly delayed and revised the forecast for the monsoon onset over Delhi. The IMD initially forecast the arrival of the monsoon in Delhi on June 24. It then corrected the date to June 24 on June 20, then asserted that it would arrive within 36 hours on June 24. The period continued to change, and June 26 saw the forecast that the monsoon would envelop the nation within 3–4 days—without specifically mentioning Delhi.

Delhi Sees No Significant Rainfall

On Saturday, Delhi received limited rain, primarily in its southwest, south, and eastern regions. The Safdarjung weather station, the capital’s base station, registered only ‘trace’ precipitation during the day. However, surrounding places such as Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram witnessed brief, heavy showers.

The IMD has put out a yellow alert for Delhi on Sunday, warning of light to moderate rain in some areas of the city.

Earliest Onset Since 2020

This is the earliest onset of monsoon over the whole nation since 2020 when it ended nationwide coverage on June 26. Previously, this early coverage occurred on June 26 in 2015 and as early as June 16 in 2013.

The IMD is keeping a close eye on progress and rains distribution over the next few days, particularly over rain-deficient areas. India has officially welcomed the onset of monsoon—early, extensive, and closely watched—till now.

Delhi Faces Traffic Snarls and Waterlogging Due to Continuous Rainfall

December 27, 2024, 4:16 pm

Delhi experienced continuous rainfall since Friday morning, resulting in significant waterlogging and traffic congestion in various parts of the city. Visuals from the Burari area highlighted the extent of the waterlogging, which has led to severe traffic snarls as the rain continues to affect daily life.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature in the city was recorded at 12 degrees Celsius, while the maximum reached 19 degrees Celsius. The IMD has also forecasted “thunderstorms with rain” for the day.

Local resident Deepak Pandey commented on the weather, stating, “The weather has become good and it feels like Kashmir. It is cold, but the rain has decreased the level of pollution.”

Air Quality Remains Poor Despite Slight Improvement

While the rain has brought some relief from pollution, the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi remains in the ‘very poor’ category. As of 2 PM, the AQI was measured at 355, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Specific readings included Anand Vihar at 390, IGI Airport (T3) at 314, and Punjabi Bagh at 361.

For comparison, the AQI readings earlier in the day showed Anand Vihar at 398 and IGI Airport (T3) at 340.

The Central government’s air quality monitoring panel had recently revoked Stage IV (‘Severe+’) measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) due to an improvement in air quality. However, measures under Stages I, II, and III remain in effect to prevent further deterioration, as announced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on December 24.

The improvement in air quality has been attributed to favorable meteorological conditions, including enhanced wind speed, according to forecasts from the IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

IndiGo Airlines Alerts Passengers About Flight Disruptions

November 27, 2024, 6:38 am

IndiGo Airlines has warned passengers about flight delays and cancellations. Flights to and from Chennai, Tuticorin, and Madurai are facing disruptions due to bad weather. The airline thanked passengers for their patience and hoped the situation would improve soon.

“#6ETravelAdvisory: Due to adverse weather conditions, flights to/from #Chennai, #Tuticorin, and #Madurai continue to be impacted, while #Tiruchirappalli and #Salem might now also be affected,” the airline shared on X.

#6ETravelAdvisory: Due to adverse weather conditions, flights to/from #Chennai, #Tuticorin, and #Madurai continue to be impacted, while #Tiruchirappalli and #Salem might now also be affected. Please stay updated on your flight status via https://t.co/VhykW6WdB1. (1/2)

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) November 26, 2024

Cyclonic Storm Expected in Tamil Nadu

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal. It is moving northwards at 10 km/h. By Tuesday night, it was located 190 km southeast of Trincomalee and 670 km south-southeast of Chennai.

The IMD predicts it will intensify into a cyclonic storm by Wednesday. It will likely move towards the Tamil Nadu coast, skirting Sri Lanka.

Heavy Rainfall Hits Chennai

Chennai and its suburbs have seen heavy rainfall since Tuesday morning. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) confirmed the depression has become a deep depression. It is expected to strengthen further into a cyclone.

“Yesterday’s depression will intensify into a deep depression… It is likely to further intensify into a cyclonic storm and move towards the north direction, towards the Tamil Nadu coast,” said S. Balachandran, Director of the RMC, in an ANI interview.

Alerts for Tamil Nadu

The IMD has issued several alerts for Tamil Nadu.

A red alert predicts very heavy rain in three districts on November 26 and two districts on November 27.
A yellow alert warns of heavy rain in Chennai from November 27 to 29.
Neighboring districts like Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu will see yellow and orange alerts from November 27 to 30.

Rainfall is expected across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on November 27. Thunderstorms and lightning are also likely in some areas. On November 28, coastal Tamil Nadu may see widespread rain, while interior regions could get scattered showers.

Suburbs Also Affected

Rainfall has also hit Chennai’s suburbs. The weather is likely to remain unpredictable, and authorities are on alert. Passengers traveling during this period should stay updated and plan accordingly.

Delhi Schools Closed Today Due to Heavy Rain, Waterlogging, and Traffic Issues

August 1, 2024, 4:41 am

Delhi Education Minister Atishi has announced that all schools in the capital will be closed on Thursday due to the severe rain and resulting waterlogging. The decision follows a heavy downpour on Wednesday evening that caused significant water accumulation and traffic disruptions throughout the city.

The relentless rain has led to widespread flooding and significant traffic jams, severely impacting the city’s infrastructure. Vehicles have been stranded on submerged roads, and many key routes are blocked, creating widespread chaos. Weather forecasts indicate that moderate rainfall will continue on Thursday, exacerbating the existing conditions.

The torrential rain has led to the issuance of the highest ‘red’ warning by the weather office, which has also flagged Delhi as an area of concern in its National Flash Flood Guidance Bulletin. Residents are advised to stay indoors, secure their homes, and avoid unnecessary travel.

Additionally, at least 10 flights arriving at Delhi Airport were diverted due to the adverse weather, with eight rerouted to Jaipur and two to Lucknow. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported substantial rainfall across various city locations: Safdarjung recorded 79.2 mm, Mayur Vihar 119 mm, Delhi University 77.5 mm, Pusa 66.5 mm, and Palam 43.7 mm between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm.

Delhi Faces Humid July Despite Rainfall, Relief Expected in August

July 31, 2024, 4:35 am

Despite receiving over 200 mm of rainfall in July, Delhi experienced unusually hot and humid conditions, marked by low wind speeds, high moisture levels, and a lack of significant weather systems. Experts attribute this to the monsoon trough remaining predominantly south of Delhi-NCR, closer to Central India, which resulted in only light to moderate, patchy rains.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Delhi’s average maximum temperature for July was 35.8°C, just above the long-period average (LPA). However, high humidity, consistently over 50% throughout the month, led to a Heat Index (HI) of 45.8°C. This HI, or ‘real feel,’ made the weather seem considerably warmer than the actual recorded maximum temperature.

Thermal discomfort was further compounded by a high average wet-bulb temperature of 28.9°C, with many days surpassing 30°C. Wet-bulb temperatures above 28°C pose challenges for physical labor, while temperatures over 32°C can be dangerous even for healthy individuals. At 35°C, the body’s ability to regulate temperature diminishes, risking heatstrokes and collapse.

Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet, explained that the monsoon trough’s position near Central India for most of July led to some cloud cover and moisture but inadequate rainfall. The region also lacked active weather systems, which might have brought rain and increased wind speeds.

Palawat noted that areas north of the monsoon trough, such as Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab, experienced similar weather due to easterly moisture-laden winds, which kept humidity levels high throughout the day. The only notable western disturbance in Delhi occurred between July 22 and 25.

As of 5:30 pm, Safdarjung recorded 203.7 mm of rainfall for the month, close to the LPA of 209.7 mm. Rain fell on 17 days out of 30, but no heavy rainfall was observed. In contrast, Delhi saw 243.3 mm of rainfall in June, largely due to a single-day deluge of 228.1 mm on June 28, and 384.6 mm in July 2023.

UP to Introduce Early Lightning Detection System to Prevent Casualties

July 14, 2024, 8:42 am

Due to the rising number of deaths from lightning strikes, the Uttar Pradesh government is setting up an early lightning detection and warning system. This system aims to reduce the number of lightning-related casualties, especially during the monsoon season.

The state’s relief department reported that 84 people have died from lightning strikes in Uttar Pradesh this month alone. Out of these, 43 people died within a 24-hour period from 6:30 pm on July 10. This number is higher than the 41 deaths reported during last year’s monsoon season, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Dr. Manish Ranalkar, Director of the Meteorological Department in Lucknow, explained the need for this system: “Because of the high number of lightning deaths in Uttar Pradesh, we have been working on setting up a lightning detection system. Following the chief minister’s orders to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), we decided to use a state-of-the-art system based on Time of Arrival (ToA) technology. This technology is more accurate in terms of time and location.”

The ToA-based system is expected to give real-time warnings about possible lightning strikes at least 30 minutes in advance. This is a big improvement over the current radar and satellite systems used by the IMD, which do not provide real-time alerts. Setting up this system will cost about ₹300 crore.

Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner Naveen Kumar said that the Uttar Pradesh Lightning Alert Management System will be introduced in three phases. The first phase will cover 37 districts and is expected to be ready by the end of this year. The second and third phases will cover 20 and 18 districts, respectively.

“The process of setting up the Uttar Pradesh Lightning Alert Management System has started, and the first phase should be ready by the end of this year,” Dr. Ranalkar added.

The state government hopes this new system will help save lives by providing early warnings about lightning strikes. Uttar Pradesh has one of the highest numbers of lightning deaths in India, so this new system is a crucial step towards improving public safety during the monsoon season.

Assam Floods Situation Dire, Rescue Teams Ready: Himanta Sarma

July 1, 2024, 6:38 pm

The flood situation in Assam has become critical due to heavy rainfall in neighboring Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on Monday. At a press conference, Mr. Sarma reported that the Brahmaputra River and all its tributaries are flowing above the danger level.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall for the next two to three days, he added.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah called me and assured of all help to deal with the situation,” the Assam CM said.

He mentioned that the NDRF and Army would be on standby to handle any emergencies.

“All ministers, MLAs and officials have been asked to closely monitor the situation,” he added.

DDMA Issues Guidelines Amidst Escalating Heat Wave Conditions

June 20, 2024, 1:24 am

In response to the intensifying heat wave, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) issued guidelines on Wednesday to help citizens minimize the impact and prevent serious ailments or even death due to heatstroke. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature in the national capital reached 43.6 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

The DDMA advises citizens to avoid going out in the sun, particularly between 12 noon and 3 pm, when the sun’s rays are most intense. They also recommend drinking plenty of water regularly, even if not thirsty, to stay hydrated.

Citizens are encouraged to wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, and porous cotton clothes to stay cool, and to use protective gear such as goggles, umbrellas or hats, and shoes or chappals when venturing outside. Strenuous activities should be avoided when the temperature is high, and outdoor work should be limited between 12 noon and 3 pm. Additionally, carrying water while traveling is advised.

The DDMA advises against consuming alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated soft drinks, as these can dehydrate the body. High-protein and stale foods should also be avoided. For those working outside, using a hat or an umbrella and a damp cloth on the head, neck, face, and limbs can help keep the body cool.

It is crucial not to leave children or pets in parked vehicles, as they can quickly become dangerously hot. If someone feels faint or ill, they should seek immediate medical attention. The use of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, and buttermilk is recommended to help rehydrate the body.

Animals should be protected by keeping them in the shade and providing plenty of water. To keep homes cool, the DDMA suggests using curtains, shutters, or sunshades and opening windows at night. Using fans, damp clothing, and taking frequent baths in cold water can also help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

The IMD defines a heatwave as a period of unusually high temperatures compared to what is normally expected in a region. It is considered a heatwave if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius or more for plains and at least 30 degrees Celsius or more for hilly regions.

Heat Stress Expected To Ease From June 19 As Monsoon Progresses Slowly

June 16, 2024, 5:54 pm

Parts of North India are expected to experience heat wave to severe heatwave conditions over the next three days, with a gradual decrease anticipated after that, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

As per IMD, a new western disturbance is affecting the Western Himalayan region. This system is expected to bring light to moderate isolated to scattered rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) across Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan from June 18 to 20.

Assam & Meghalaya is very likely to get isolated heavy (64.5-115.5 mm) to very heavy rainfall (115.5-204.4 mm) on 16th & 17th June and exceptionally heavy rainfall on 18th June whereas likely to get heavy (64.5-115.5 mm) to very heavy rainfall (115.5-204.4 mm) on 19 & 20th June

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 16, 2024

During the next five days, isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall, along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, is highly expected over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reports minimal progress of the monsoon since June 11.

Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh are under a red category warning for Sunday and Monday due to extremely high temperatures. A red warning indicates that local authorities must take action to prevent disasters and emergencies caused by the severe heat.

Currently, the Northern Limit of Monsoon spans through Navsari, Jalgaon, Amravati, Chandrapur, Bijapur, Sukma, Malkangiri, Vizianagaram, and Islampur. IMD forecasts favorable conditions for the Southwest Monsoon to advance further into additional parts of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Northwest Bay of Bengal, as well as remaining parts of Gangetic West Bengal, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and some areas of Bihar over the next 4-5 days. The monsoon’s progress is delayed by a few days; it was originally anticipated to cover Odisha, West Bengal, and parts of Bihar and Jharkhand by June 15.

Delhi ‘Orange Alert’: IMD Warns of Potential Heatwave

May 30, 2024, 9:20 am

As Delhiites prepare for Thursday, May 30, the regional weather office has issued a cautionary note for Delhi, an ‘Orange Alert’, signaling the likelihood of a shift in weather dynamics. While partly cloudy skies are on the horizon, residents are advised to remain vigilant as potential heatwave conditions persist in certain pockets of the capital city.

In a notable update, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) regional office has downgraded its alert status from ‘red’ to ‘orange’ for Thursday, suggesting a slight moderation in temperatures. However, the forecast indicates a chance of thunderstorms, accompanied by light rain or drizzle and gusty winds ranging from 25 to 35 kmph.

The regional meteorological center in New Delhi has underscored the possibility of localized heatwave conditions, even as temperatures are expected to dip by 2°C to 3°C. Anticipating a maximum temperature of around 45°C, Delhiites are urged to exercise caution and stay informed about evolving weather conditions.

Cloudy weather is projected to persist until June 1, with the likelihood of precipitation diminishing until June 4. Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the Regional Weather Forecasting Centre at IMD, shared insights with ANI, stating, “For Thursday, we have issued a Delhi Orange Alert, with a predicted 2-3 degrees reduction in temperature. On May 31st and June 1st, due to western disturbances, there is a possibility of thunderstorms and lightning in Delhi-NCR and the entire Northwest region. By June 1st, there will be a 3-4 degrees reduction in temperature.”

As Delhiites prepare for the fluctuating weather patterns ahead, it is imperative to stay abreast of weather advisories and undertake necessary precautions to mitigate potential risks associated with extreme weather conditions.

IMD To Investigate Possible Error In Delhi’s 52.9°C Temperature Reading

May 29, 2024, 11:36 pm

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicated that the maximum temperature of 52.9°C recorded by Delhi’s Mungeshpur Automatic Weather Station might be due to a sensor error or a local factor, which the IMD will investigate. Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju addressed the issue on X, stating that the reported temperatures were not official. “Temperature of 52.3°C in Delhi is very unlikely. Our senior officials in IMD have been asked to verify the news report. The official position will be stated soon,” Rijiju wrote.

It is not official yet. Temperature of 52.3°C in Delhi is very unlikely. Our senior officials in IMD have been asked to verify the news report. The official position will be stated soon. https://t.co/uaZMfRac1q

— Kiren Rijiju (मोदी का परिवार) (@KirenRijiju) May 29, 2024

This record occurred during a period of intense heat in the national capital, with temperatures staying above 44°C for the past few days. However, a brief respite came in the afternoon with rainfall in parts of Delhi.

IMD Director General M Mahapatra noted that the temperature appeared abnormal compared to readings from all other stations. A team has been dispatched to the AWS to verify the data.

The temperature recorded at the Safdarjung center, considered the official temperature of Delhi, was 46.8°C. AWSs are automatic weather stations that automatically observe and transmit data. On Wednesday, no other AWS, including those at Pragati Maidan, IGNOU, Ayanagar, Pitampura, and Najafgarh, reported temperatures above 50°C.

“The maximum temperature over Delhi NCR varied from 45.2° to 49.1°C in different parts of the city, Mungeshpur reported 52.9°C as an outlier compared to other stations. It could be due to error in the sensor or the local factor. IMD is examining the data and sensors,” the IMD clarified in a press statement.

“Maximum temperature of today, i.e. 29th May, 2024 has fallen over Delhi at many places compared to yesterday. It has rained at many places in Delhi in the afternoon resulting in further fall of temperature. Heat wave conditions will reduce during next 2 – 3 days due to gradual fall in temperature in association with approaching western disturbance, rainfall/thunderstorm and southwesterly wind blowing from Arabian Sea to northwest India,” it said making a general observation about Delhi’s temperature.

#Mungesgpur observatory in #Delhi recorded 52.3 degrees at 14:39 hours today on May 29. The exposure of the sensor of the #AWS may not be correct. The benchmark temperature is of Safdarjung for Delhi. #DelhiHeaywave #DelhiRains @SkymetWeather @JATINSKYMET

— Mahesh Palawat (@Mpalawat) May 29, 2024

Mahesh Palawat from Skymet remarked that AWS observations may not always be accurate, emphasizing that Safdarjung serves as the benchmark for Delhi’s temperature.

Delhi’s temperature today

According to Delhi’s primary weather station, the Safdarjung observatory, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 46.8°C, marking the highest in 79 years. Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicated that Delhi’s maximum temperature was 46.7 degrees Celsius in June 1945.