Key Takeaways
- Light to moderate rain swept across south, southeast and west Delhi, dropping temperatures by 2–3 °C.
- IMD yellow alert in effect through the weekend, warning of further thunderstorms and gusty winds (30–40 km/h).
- Monsoon on the doorstep: Southwest monsoon likely to advance into Delhi by June 24, three days ahead of schedule.
- Expert insight: Dr. Meera Sharma, Senior Meteorologist at IMD, explains the significance of this early spell.
- Fact-Check: No evidence of “flash flood” conditions despite local standing water—common confusion on social media.
Rain Brings Immediate Relief
What Residents Experienced
On Saturday afternoon, brief but widespread showers drenched key localities such as Malviya Nagar, Patel Nagar, and Rajouri Garden, providing much-needed relief from a prolonged heatwave. Streets quickly cooled, and office-goers stepped out with umbrellas as maximum temperatures dipped to 36.2 °C—1.3 °C below the seasonal average nationalheraldindia.com.
Impact on Daily Life
- Traffic: Waterlogging reported near IGI Airport, slowing morning commutes.
- Air Quality: AQI improved to “satisfactory” levels (75), down from 89 the previous day timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
- Health Advisory: The city’s health department urged residents with respiratory issues to enjoy the cooler air but remain hydrated.
IMD Issues Yellow Alert
Areas Under Warning
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert covering the entire National Capital Territory, cautioning against:
- Light to moderate rainfall
- Thunderstorms with lightning
- Gusty winds up to 40 km/h businesstoday.in
Residents are advised to secure loose objects, avoid open fields during storms, and follow traffic advisories issued by Delhi Traffic Police.
Expert Insight
Interview with Dr. Meera Sharma
“This early pre-monsoon activity indicates a favourable shift in regional wind patterns,” says Dr. Meera Sharma, Senior Meteorologist at IMD (12 years’ experience). “While the showers won’t sustain high rainfall totals, they signal the approaching southwest monsoon front.”
— IMD Press Release, June 22, 2025 economictimes.indiatimes.com
Outlook for the Week
Monsoon Onset and Beyond
According to IMD’s seasonal forecast, the southwest monsoon is expected to cover Delhi by June 24, ahead of its normal June 27 onset. Forecast highlights:
- June 23–25: Continued yellow alerts, with isolated heavy showers.
- June 26 onward: Transition to normal monsoon pattern, bringing sustained rains (92–108% of long-period average) timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Fact-Check
Debunking Myths
- Myth: “Flash floods reported across Delhi.”
Fact: Minor waterlogging occurred in low-lying areas; no official flood warnings were issued thestatesman.com. - Myth: “Monsoon has officially begun.”
Fact: These rains are pre-monsoon showers; the IMD marks monsoon onset only after widespread, sustained rainfall across a larger grid.
Daily Digest
- Sunday Update (June 22): Yellow alert persists; max 36-37 °C, min 26-28 °C; wind SSE at 15 km/h.
- Monday Preview: Showers likely in morning; thunderstorms by late afternoon.
- Weekly Tracker: Follow our live blog for real-time updates, radar images, and expert Q&A.
