As the capital city excitedly awaits the arrival of the monsoon, the northern limit of monsoon will take a leap to cover large parts of the country, over the next 3-4 days. The stream will have a strong push to cover the Indo-Gangetic plains, and major parts of northern mountains and advance to the national capital during this period. Parts of Punjab, Haryana may also begin with the annual event, a little ahead of time.
The heat wave has already abated from Delhi. Day temperature is staying below the mark of 40°C, at many locations in the NCR region. The normal temperatures as such fall below the 40°C mark during the second half of June. That is how, the maximum temperature of 39.7°C recorded yesterday, remains above normal by about 3°C. This trend of mercury levels will continue and no heat wave is likely.
Delhi has witnessed nearly drought-like conditions in the pre-monsoon months. March, April and May remained rain deficit by 75%, 54% and 99% respectively. The trail of desiccation continues in June, as well. The month of June has recorded only 6.6mm of rainfall so far, against the monthly normal of 74.1mm. The scarcity of rain was also the main reason for excessive heat, as the capital city recorded 14 heat wave days in May and June, the highest in the last 14 years. As the monsoon gets ready to knock the national capital soon, the fag end of the month may find some decent showers in a couple of days.
A cyclonic circulation is coming up over Punjab, North Rajasthan and North Pakistan region on 27th June. An east-west trough will run from the system, in close proximity to Delhi for the subsequent few days. In the meantime, a cyclonic circulation from the Bay of Bengal is advancing over land, strengthening this feature. More or less, this trough will extend all along the Indo-Gangetic plains to take the shape of seasonal monsoon trough.
Pre-monsoon showers are likely over Delhi starting today and continuing till the arrival. Gusty winds, strikes of thunderstorms or dust storms followed by sharp showers will be the highlights to welcome the monsoon. Monsoon is likely to arrive in Delhi, anytime between the 28th and 30th of June. Stakes are high to predict the first monsoon burst on 29th June. City and suburbs can expect some heavy showers on 29th and 30th June. The upcoming weekend is likely to be fairly pleasant after the long stretch of scorching heat for the first three weeks of June.
