Delayed Monsoon In Delhi: Onset Unlikely In June

By: AVM GP Sharma | Edited By: Arti Kumari
Jun 23, 2026, 1:30 PM
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Key Takeaways:

  • Southwest monsoon may miss the normal June 27 onset date over Delhi this year.
  • Light and scattered rainfall is likely across Delhi-NCR during the next 48 hours.
  • Day temperatures are expected to hover around 41°C with warm surface winds.
  • Most rainfall activity is likely during late evening and night hours.
  • Forecast Validity: next 48 hours for rainfall activity; monsoon onset likely around July 5 ±3 days.

The normal onset date of the southwest monsoon over Delhi, June 27, is drawing closer. However, as predicted earlier, the monsoon is likely to overshoot the stipulated timeline and may spill over into July this year. Over the last four years, the monsoon has consistently arrived during the fag end of June.

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The most delayed monsoon onset during the last decade was recorded on July 13, 2023. Meanwhile, light rainfall activity is expected over Delhi and NCR during the next 48 hours.

A number of small-scale cyclonic circulations are currently persisting over the northern plains. A low-level circulation over Haryana is collocated with another circulation in the middle levels over Punjab. The trough joining these systems is further connecting with yet another low-level circulation over northwest Uttar Pradesh.

The trough line is passing north of Delhi, though not very far from the region. Its proximity is creating favourable conditions for light and scattered rainfall activity over and around Delhi, especially across the northern peripheral parts of NCR.

Moderately strong surface winds and minimal cloud cover are likely to push the daytime temperature higher. The maximum temperature is expected to hover close to 41°C (±1°C) today. Similar weather conditions, including mild pre-monsoon rainfall activity, are expected today and tomorrow.

Most of the weather activity is likely during the late evening and night hours. Showers are expected to remain light and short-lived, with rainfall accumulation likely staying below 5 mm.

Delhi has recorded 22.7 mm rainfall between June 1 and June 23, against the monthly normal of 80.6 mm at Safdarjung observatory.

At this stage, fixing the exact monsoon onset date remains difficult. Tentatively, the most probable timeline for monsoon arrival over Delhi could be around July 5, 2026, with a variation of ±3 days.

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AVM GP Sharma
President of Meteorology & Climate Change
AVM Sharma, President of Meteorology & Climate Change at Skymet Weather Services, is a retired Indian Air Force officer who previously led the Meteorological Branch at Air Headquarters in New Delhi. With over a decade of experience at Skymet, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organization.
FAQ

No, the southwest monsoon has not reached Delhi yet and is likely to be delayed beyond the normal onset date of June 27.

Yes, light and scattered rainfall activity is likely over Delhi-NCR during the next 48 hours, mainly during evening and night hours.

The monsoon is tentatively expected around July 5, 2026, with a possible variation of ±3 days.

Disclaimer: This content is based on meteorological interpretation and climatological datasets assessed by Skymet’s forecasting team. While we strive to maintain scientific accuracy, weather patterns may evolve due to dynamic atmospheric conditions. This assessment is intended for informational purposes and should not be considered an absolute or guaranteed prediction.

Skymet is India’s most accurate private weather forecasting and climate intelligence company, providing reliable weather data, monsoon updates, and agri-risk management solutions across the country.

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