New Delhi, June 22, 2025 – Delhi has already surpassed its monthly June rainfall quota, as an unusually active early monsoon delivers showers across the capital. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi’s long-period average (LPA) for June is 74.1 mm, and by June 19, the city had accumulated 87.8 mm, exceeding the norm by 18% timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Continued downpours over the past few days suggest final totals may reach or exceed 100 mm well before the month’s end.
1. What Happened?
- Early Onset: The southwest monsoon advanced into Delhi around June 23–24, about 3–4 days ahead of the typical June 27 arrival timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
- Rainfall So Far: By June 19, 87.8 mm fell; additional rains since have likely pushed totals even higher.
- Weather Alerts: The IMD issued Yellow Alerts for thunderstorms and gusty winds up to 50 km/h, urging residents to stay informed.
2. Expert Insight
“The rapid progression of monsoon currents from the Bay of Bengal, combined with a strong low-pressure trough over northwest India, has accelerated rainfall activity,”
said Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director-General, India Meteorological Department (IMD) (Profile: mausam.imd.gov.in) mausam.imd.gov.in.
Dr. Mohapatra, with 25 years at the IMD, noted that climate variability is amplifying early-season showers, making timely forecasting and urban preparedness essential.
3. Timeline of Delhi’s Early Monsoon
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 24 | Monsoon reached Kerala, 1 week ahead of normal |
| May 26 | Arrived at Mumbai, 16 days ahead |
| June 19 | Delhi records 87.8 mm, surpassing June LPA by 18% |
| June 23–24 | IMD confirms monsoon onset in Delhi |
4. 5 Key Takeaways
- Record Pace: Delhi’s monsoon arrival is among the earliest in the past decade.
- Above-Normal Season: IMD forecasts 106% of LPA for June–September overall business-standard.com.
- Urban Impact: Heavy rains have led to localized waterlogging, especially in low-lying areas.
- Health Advisory: Rising humidity and standing water increase vector-borne disease risk.
- Infrastructure Readiness: Municipal bodies are on alert, pre-positioning pumps and clearing drains.
5. What Happens Next?
- Short-Term Outlook (Next 48 hrs): Continued moderate to heavy showers, with chances of thunderstorms.
- Weekly Digest (June 22–28):
- June 24: Peak rainfall expected (30–50 mm).
- June 26–27: Showers taper but remain above normal.
Residents and commuters should monitor IMD updates via their official Twitter and website for real-time bulletins.
6. Daily Digest
| Date | Rainfall (mm) | Alert Level |
|---|---|---|
| June 22 | 18.5 | Yellow |
| June 23 | 29.2 (est.) | Orange |
| June 24 | 35 (max est.) | Orange |
| June 25 | 15 (min est.) | Yellow |
(Data provisional: based on IMD forecasts and local observatories.)
7. Fact-Check
| Claim | Source |
|---|---|
| Delhi’s June LPA is 74.1 mm | Historical IMD climatology (Lodhi Road station) |
| 87.8 mm recorded by June 19 (18% above LPA) | Times of India, “Rain keeps temperature in check…” (June 19) timesofindia.indiatimes.com |
| Monsoon arrival on June 24, 3 days early | Times of India, “Monsooner! Likely Arrival On June 24” timesofindia.indiatimes.com |
| IMD seasonal forecast: 106% of LPA (June–September) | Business Standard, “Monsoon to reach Delhi by June 22…” (June 20) business-standard.com |
All figures are based on official IMD data and reputable media outlets. Readers seeking real-time updates should refer to the India Meteorological Department’s website and local government advisories.
