Relief came with raindrops for millions in Delhi-NCR on Monday morning, after a muggy and sweltering Sunday. The IMD’s yellow alert is still in place as more rain is expected.
Monday Morning Brings a Cool Change
There’s something oddly comforting about waking up to the sound of rain tapping against the window. For Delhi residents, that was the unexpected surprise on Monday.
After a stretch of oppressive heat and thick humidity, the overnight and early morning showers turned the Capital’s mood around. Streets were damp, skies cloudy, and there was a definite nip in the air — a pleasant contrast to Sunday’s stickiness. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this spell of rainfall was part of a broader yellow alert issued for the city, with the potential for more showers and thunderstorms in the coming days.
Temperature Steady, But Humidity Drops
Sunday was rough. Despite weather warnings, it barely rained and the mercury stayed high — 35°C max and 28.8°C min. The air was thick, sweat stuck to clothes, and fans did little to help.
But Monday’s downpour changed that — not so much by lowering the maximum temperature dramatically, but by knocking humidity levels down a peg. Forecasts say the next few days should hover between 32°C and 34°C, with nighttime lows around 27°C. It’s not cold by any means, but it sure feels better than the furnace Delhi’s been trapped in lately.
What IMD Says Is Coming Next
The weather department’s forecast paints a picture of mostly cloudy skies through midweek, with scattered rainfall and lightning still possible.
The alert level remains yellow — not extreme, but enough to keep folks on their toes. This means:
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Localized flooding is possible in low-lying areas
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Traffic disruptions can’t be ruled out during peak hours
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Outdoor plans might need a rethink
Despite being called “light to moderate,” these rains often turn heavier in short bursts. Delhiites know the drill. What starts as a drizzle can quickly flood key roads if drainage systems falter — which, let’s be honest, happens too often.
How the Rain’s Playing Out Across NCR
While central Delhi and parts of South Delhi felt consistent rain early on, other regions got varying doses. Gurugram saw sporadic showers but with thunder, while Noida and Ghaziabad reported early morning drizzle and moist, overcast conditions.
In Lutyens’ Delhi, Connaught Place had puddles forming by 9 a.m. But in parts of Rohini and Dwarka, the rainfall didn’t last long — just enough to settle the dust. By late morning, the sun peeked out through cottony clouds, making for an oddly beautiful skyline.
One resident from Preet Vihar summed it up nicely: “We waited all weekend for this rain. It came late, but it came sweet.”
Monsoon Patterns and the Bigger Picture
The monsoon officially hit Delhi around June 30 this year, slightly delayed. Since then, it’s been temperamental. Some parts of the city have had decent spells. Others have waited, baked, and waited again.
Here’s a quick look at Delhi’s rainfall data so far this season (as per IMD, July 7 update):
| Date | Recorded Rainfall (mm) | Departure from Normal |
|---|---|---|
| July 3 | 5.4 mm | -68% |
| July 4 | 9.1 mm | -42% |
| July 5 | 0.0 mm | -100% |
| July 6 | 0.8 mm | -95% |
| July 7* | 11.7 mm (till 8am) | +24% |
*Note: July 7 data is early morning only. Final figures may rise.
So far, Delhi’s been running a rainfall deficit, especially compared to normal July averages. Monday’s morning showers helped but didn’t fix the gap.
What This Means for Commuters and City Life
Delhi’s roads are tricky enough without rain. Add puddles, waterlogging, and slow-moving traffic, and it’s a different game altogether.
This morning saw slower-than-usual movement on Ring Road, stretches near AIIMS, and outside Delhi University’s North Campus. Metro services, thankfully, remained on schedule, but autos and rickshaws raised fares by noon. Standard stuff during monsoon.
Some school buses were delayed, and office-goers posted selfies from gridlocks — umbrellas in one hand, coffee in the other. Rain may offer relief, but in Delhi, it also means chaos.
Yellow Alert: What You Should Keep in Mind
A yellow alert from the IMD isn’t cause for panic, but it’s a nudge. Be aware, stay updated, and don’t ignore the sky if it starts to darken suddenly.
For the week ahead, key precautions for Delhiites:
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Keep umbrellas and raincoats handy
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Avoid waterlogged roads — both driving and walking
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Charge devices ahead of power cuts (they still happen)
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Watch out for falling tree branches in older neighborhoods
And if you’re planning anything outdoors — from weddings to protests to park strolls — maybe have a Plan B.
