By Priya Sharma, Senior Meteorological Correspondent
Priya Sharma is a weather journalist with 10 years of experience covering monsoon patterns across South Asia. Connect on LinkedIn.
Key Takeaways
- Alert Issued: IMD issues a Yellow Alert for Delhi‑NCR through June 22, signaling heavy rainfall (64.5–115.5 mm per 24 hrs).
- Current Conditions: 29 mm recorded in the last 24 hrs; month‑to‑date rainfall is already 18% above June’s average.
- Expert Insight: “This early surge in monsoon activity is driven by a western disturbance over Punjab,” explains Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Senior Scientist at IMD with 18 years of monsoon research.
What’s Happening Now?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned residents to brace for heavy to very heavy rain, gusty winds, and isolated thunderstorms across Delhi‑NCR today.
- Yellow Alert: Indicates potential for disruption—anticipate waterlogging, traffic slowdowns, and dampened air quality. economictimes.indiatimes.com
- Recent Rainfall: Delhi recorded 29 mm in the past 24 hrs, contributing to a cumulative 87.8 mm this June—18% above the historical norm of 74.1 mm. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Expert Analysis
“An active western disturbance coupled with moisture influx from the Bay of Bengal has accelerated monsoon onset in North India,” says Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Senior Scientist, IMD.
– Read his full profile on the IMD site. mausam.imd.gov.in
A recent IMD bulletin attributes this shift to:
- Cyclonic Circulation over Punjab, enhancing uplift.
- Upper‑air Westerly Winds drawing moisture inland.
- Sea‑Surface Temperature Anomalies in the Arabian Sea, favoring cloud formation.
5 Key Impacts
- Urban Flooding: Low‑lying areas like Nizamuddin, Dwarka, and Rohini prone to waterlogging.
- Traffic Disruptions: Expect peak‑hour jams; avoid surface roads where possible.
- Health Advisory: High humidity (85–95%) may aggravate respiratory ailments—keep masks handy.
- Power Outages: Strong gusts (gusting up to 40 km/h) could down tree branches and power lines.
- Flight Delays: Delhi airport has preemptively delayed 8 flights due to low visibility.
How to Stay Safe
- Plan Ahead: Check live updates via the IMD’s mobile app.
- Home Preparedness: Clear drains, secure loose objects, and have emergency kits ready.
- Travel Tips: Use metro or app‑based cabs; carry waterproof gear.
Daily Digest
| Date | Alert Level | Max Rainfall (24 hrs) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 18 | Yellow | 29 mm | Waterlogging in south Delhi |
| June 19 | Yellow | — | Ongoing; heavy showers expected until PM |
| Next 3 Days | Yellow | 70–90 mm | Thunderstorms possible June 20–22 |
Fact‑Check
- Yellow Alert Definition: Heavy rainfall expected (64.5–115.5 mm).
- IMD Sources: All forecasts from the IMD’s official bulletins and website.
- Monthly Averages: Based on IMD’s climatological normals (1981–2010).
