Monsoon tracker: Delhi’s ‘feels like’ temperature breaches 50°C for second day; when is relief expected? Check update

Delhi Monsoon Tracker: 50°C Heatwave Continues, When Will Relief Arrive?

Theindiapostdaily.com – Delhi’s weather continues to be a focal point for the monsoon tracker as the city experiences its second consecutive day of “feels like” temperatures surpassing 50°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the overnight minimum temperature held steady at 31.1°C on Monday, matching the previous day’s reading. This marks the highest minimum temperature recorded in Delhi in over two years, with the city’s temperatures remaining 3.2°C above the seasonal norm. The last time Delhi saw a minimum temperature exceeding 33.3°C was on June 14, 2024, highlighting the persistent heatwave conditions.

Heatwave Persistence and Meteorological Insights

According to the IMD, the delayed arrival of the southwest monsoon has significantly contributed to Delhi’s elevated temperatures. The minimum temperature at Safdarjung, the city’s main weather station, settled at 31.1°C, while the maximum reached 41.8°C. Other areas like Palam and Lodhi Road also saw high readings, with temperatures hitting 42°C and 42.1°C respectively. The agency noted that the combination of dry westerly winds from Pakistan and moist air from the Arabian Sea is maintaining the current heatwave, despite some scattered relief from thunderstorms.

The “feels-like” temperature—a measure that combines heat and humidity—reached 50.7°C on Monday, following a record 51.3°C recorded on Saturday. This intense heat is expected to continue as the monsoon tracker indicates a slower-than-usual progression of the southwest monsoon. Meteorologists warn that the high humidity levels, coupled with the lack of substantial rainfall, are making the heat feel even more oppressive for residents.

Monsoon Arrival and Regional Weather Patterns

Experts at Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, predict the southwest monsoon will reach Delhi around July 4, provided atmospheric conditions remain favorable. This delay, compared to the typical June 27-28 arrival, has kept temperatures and humidity levels unusually high. Mahesh Palawat, Vice President (Meteorology and Climate Change) at Skymet, explained that the interaction between dry and moist air masses is creating cloud cover but not enough precipitation to cool the region effectively.

“The delayed monsoon onset has led to prolonged high temperatures, as the interaction between air masses results in cloud formation without significant rainfall. This means that by the time clouds develop, usually around 4 or 5 p.m., the day’s peak heat has already been recorded,”

Palawat added. The monsoon tracker suggests that the delayed arrival is not only affecting Delhi but also regions across northern India, creating a ripple effect on weather patterns.

Monsoon Progress and Future Outlook

The IMD has outlined the monsoon’s projected path, indicating it will move into the North Arabian Sea, Gujarat, and central states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh over the coming days. The weather forecast also highlights the potential for scattered rainfall in Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh, and Punjab from June 29 to July 1. This rainfall, while localized, could signal the beginning of a more active monsoon season for parts of the country.

Further, the department predicts widespread rainfall in Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad from June 30 to July 4. Himachal Pradesh is also expected to see rain between July 2 and 4, while Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi will likely receive scattered showers on June 29 and again during July 1-2. Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are anticipated to benefit from rainfall from June 29 to July 4, which could alleviate the current heatwave in Delhi and neighboring regions.

As the monsoon tracker updates, the focus remains on Delhi and its prolonged heatwave. While the city’s “feels like” temperature has reached a critical threshold, the prospect of the monsoon finally arriving by July 4 offers hope for relief. However, the timing of the rainfall and its intensity will be key factors in determining how quickly temperatures drop and whether the heatwave will be broken.

Residents are advised to monitor the monsoon tracker for real-time updates and prepare for potential changes in weather conditions. The delayed monsoon not only affects Delhi but also impacts agricultural activities and water availability across the region. With the monsoon’s progress closely watched, the next few days will be crucial in assessing whether the capital will soon experience much-needed respite from the scorching heat.