Delhiites yearning for relief from the sweltering summer heat may have to wait till the last week of June for the arrival of the southwest monsoon. According to the latest updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon is likely to hit Delhi-NCR between June 27 and June 30, 2026.
The country’s weather department said the monsoon has advanced over southern India this year more slowly than initially forecast. Weather experts are also tracking the potential impact of El Niño conditions on the distribution of rainfall during the 2026 monsoon season.
Monsoon Arrival in Delhi
The monsoon is expected to make a slow march from Kerala towards central and northern India throughout June before reaching Delhi by the month-end, according to the IMD’s forecast timeline. Under normal conditions, Delhi usually receives monsoon rains around June 27.
| Region | Expected Monsoon Arrival 2026 |
|---|---|
| Kerala | Around June 1 |
| Mumbai | Around June 10 |
| Central India | Mid-June |
| Delhi-NCR | June 27 to June 30 |
Weather analysts say the delayed advancement over Kerala earlier this week slightly affected the overall monsoon schedule. However, IMD expects conditions to gradually become favorable for further monsoon movement during early June.
IMD Forecast for Rainfall in 2026
There could be spells of heavy rain at times in Delhi when the monsoon is active, but the forecast is for the entire country. Experts note that rainfall distribution can vary sharply even during below-normal monsoon years.
| Weather Factor | Forecast for Delhi 2026 |
|---|---|
| Monsoon Arrival | June 27 to June 30 |
| Pre-Monsoon Activity | Thunderstorms, dust storms, lightning |
| June Temperature Trend | Hot and humid with temporary relief |
| Rainfall Outlook | Near-normal to slightly below normal |
| Heatwave Risk | Moderate to high before monsoon onset |
Why Monsoon Timing Matters for Delhi
The arrival of the southwest monsoon is critical for Delhi because it provides major relief from extreme summer temperatures that often cross 45°C in late May and June.
But a delayed monsoon may extend the duration of heatwaves and the consumption of electricity and water in the capital region. IMD has warned that parts of northwest India could continue experiencing above-normal temperatures until widespread rainfall activity begins.
Current IMD Weather Outlook
According to the latest extended-range outlook, weather systems are gradually becoming favorable for further monsoon advancement over the southern and eastern parts of India. Delhi will witness some isolated rain activity and strong winds during pre-monsoon thunderstorms over the next few weeks. The IMD has urged people to continue to watch out for official updates on the progress of the monsoon, as the dates of the progress can change as per the changing atmospheric and oceanic conditions.
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