Rainy Week For Delhi: Second Half Heavier Than First One

Key Takeaways:

• Delhi remained largely dry over the weekend, with heat index values touching 43°C–44°C due to high humidity.
• The monsoon trough, aided by a low-pressure area, a depression, and a Western Disturbance, is set to revive rainfall activity.
• Moderate to heavy rain is likely during the second half of the week, especially between July 30 and August 2.
• Day temperatures may drop to around 32°C, bringing much-needed relief from heat and humidity.
• Forecast Validity: Next one week.

Most parts of Delhi remained dry over the weekend. There was light drizzle in isolated pockets for a brief period, but it was not enough to record any measurable rainfall. The weekend remained very warm and humid. The maximum temperature rose to 36.6°C, about 2°C above normal. In the absence of rain and with high humidity, the heat index (feels-like temperature) remained between 41°C and 42°C on Saturday and increased further to 43°C-44°C on Sunday. Today is not expected to be any better, and the maximum temperature is likely to reach around 37°C (±1°C). However, the conditions are expected to improve from tomorrow onwards.

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The monsoon trough is the main trigger for weather activity over Delhi during the monsoon season. At present, the trough is positioned south of Delhi, passing through Bikaner, Gwalior, Hamirpur, Prayagraj, and further eastward. Both ends of this trough are embedded with cyclonic circulations, one associated with the low-pressure area over Rajasthan and the other with the depression over Odisha. The third factor is the approaching Western Disturbance over the mountains of North India. The monsoon trough will oscillate close to Delhi and occasionally pass through the capital. This is likely to change the weather conditions, and monsoon showers will become more frequent and occasionally heavy during this week.

The Safdarjung Observatory has recorded 160.3 mm of rainfall so far in July against the normal of 195.8 mm. The city has witnessed a weak phase of the monsoon during the last 15 days and has recorded only 27.5 mm of rainfall. Hopefully, Delhi will receive decent showers, moderate to intense, before the month comes to an end. In fact, the second half of the week, between July 30 and August 2, is likely to receive fairly widespread rain and thundershowers. However, any rainfall on July 31 and later will be accounted for in August. The maximum temperature is likely to drop to around 32°C (±1°C) on most days of the week. The heat index will also drop substantially. Nights and early mornings are expected to become pleasant.

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