The southwest monsoon has finally reached Delhi, bringing an end to weeks of oppressive heat that saw temperatures soar to 50°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed on Thursday that monsoon has fully covered the capital and has advanced into several northern and western states,including parts of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab,and parts of Rajasthan.
Heavy rainfall began early Thursday morning,causing significant disruptions in both Delhi and Mumbai. In Mumbai,the downpour led to delays on the Central Railway network due to reduced visibility,as train services struggled to maintain schedules. IMD issued a red alert for the Mumbai region,including Thane, Palghar,and Raigad districts,forecasting moderate to intense rain for the next few hours.
As of July 2,the Northern Limit of Monsoon (NLM) was reported to be at specific coordinates, indicating the monsoon's progress . The IMD noted that conditions remain favorable for further advancement into additional parts of the North Arabian Sea and Gujarat, as well as the remaining areas of Madhya Pradesh,Haryana,and Punjab over the next few days.
The weather department has advised residents to exercise caution. People are urged to avoid weak structures and low-lying areas prone to waterlogging,as well as to stay clear of trees and electric poles. IMD also emphasized the importance of staying updated with the latest weather information .
In Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall across the city and its suburbs, with the potential for extremely heavy rainfall overnight and into Friday morning. Gusty winds, reaching speeds of 50-60 km/h,are also expected, adding to the challenges posed by the monsoon .
As the monsoon settles in,residents of Delhi can finally expect relief from the intense heat that has gripped the region. The arrival of the rains marks a critical shift in weather patterns, bringing much-needed moisture to the parched landscape.
