Relief from Heatwave: Delhi-NCR Experiences Sudden Weather Change

Delhi-NCR residents are finally experiencing a break from the oppressive heat as heavy rains and thunderstorms sweep through the region. The India Meteorological Department has issued a Yellow Alert, warning of potential hail and thunderstorms in the coming hours. This weather shift coincides with the arrival of the southwest monsoon in Kerala, which typically marks the start of the monsoon season. The IMD has provided forecasts for all districts in Delhi, advising residents to follow safety guidelines. As the monsoon progresses, the IMD anticipates rainfall levels to be around 90% of the long-term average, with concerns about potential deficiencies due to El Niño conditions. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing weather situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 4, 2026, 16:18 IST

Weather Update for Delhi-NCR Residents

Residents of Delhi-NCR have finally found relief from the intense heat that has persisted for several days. On Thursday, the weather took a dramatic turn, bringing heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds to the capital and its surrounding areas. In light of these developments, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'Yellow Alert' effective until June 6. The IMD has warned of the possibility of light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and hail in the coming hours across the entire Delhi-NCR region.

IMD Forecast Covers All Districts

The IMD's forecast applies to all districts within the city, including Central, East, New Delhi, North, Northeast, Northwest, Shahdara, South, Southeast, Southwest, and West Delhi. The department has indicated that storm activity is 'highly likely' and has advised residents to adhere to guidelines issued by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority and other relevant agencies. Officials have confirmed that this warning has been communicated to the necessary authorities for prompt action.

Southwest Monsoon Arrives in Kerala

According to the IMD, this weather change coincides with the arrival of the southwest monsoon in Kerala on Thursday. Typically, the monsoon reaches Kerala around June 1, marking the onset of the southwest monsoon season from June to September. The IMD stated, 'The southwest monsoon has advanced today, June 4, 2026, into the remaining parts of the southwest and southeast Arabian Sea, parts of the west-central and east-central Arabian Sea, the entire Lakshadweep archipelago, Kerala and Mahe, parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the remaining areas of the Comorin region, the southeastern Bay of Bengal, and additional parts of the southwest, west-central, east-central, and northeastern Bay of Bengal.'

Delayed Monsoon Predictions

Previously, the IMD had predicted the monsoon's arrival in Kerala on May 26, but this was delayed. Last week, the department revised its seasonal rainfall forecast, indicating that the rainfall would be below normal. The IMD anticipates that this year's rainfall in India will be approximately 90% of the long-term average (LPA). The LPA refers to the average rainfall recorded in a specific area over a defined period, typically calculated over 30 to 50 years.

Understanding Rainfall Patterns

The long-term average (LPA) for seasonal rainfall across the country, based on data from 1971 to 2020, is 87 cm. If the rainfall during the monsoon season falls below 90% of the LPA, the IMD categorizes it as 'deficient.' One potential reason for below-normal rainfall could be the development of 'El Niño' conditions, which often lead to reduced rainfall during the monsoon period. Currently, conditions in the equatorial Pacific are gradually shifting from a 'Neutral El Niño-Southern Oscillation' to 'El Niño' conditions. The IMD has reported that 'El Niño' conditions are expected to remain weak in June but may strengthen from moderate to strong levels by September.