Delhi rain snarls traffic as Mumbai reels under severe waterlogging

Rain lashed the national capital on Thursday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert as heavy showers disrupted normal life across several parts of the country.

The rainfall came amid widespread monsoon activity that has triggered landslides, flooding and transport disruptions in multiple states. Four people were killed in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, while Arunachal Pradesh continued relief efforts following flash floods. Heavy rain also affected parts of Maharashtra, and the IMD warned of more intense rainfall over south Bengal in the coming days. In Navi Mumbai, two girls suffered electric shocks after coming into contact with an exposed live wire on a waterlogged road near LP Bridge in Nerul.

When will the monsoon reach Delhi?

• Arrival likely within 24 hours: The IMD said conditions have become favourable for the southwest monsoon to advance into Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh over the next 24 hours.
• Expected by July 3 or 4: Skymet Weather Vice President Mahesh Palawat told PTI that the monsoon is likely to reach Delhi and adjoining areas around July 3 or 4.
• Latest onset in five years: If the forecast holds, Delhi will witness its latest monsoon arrival in five years, according to the IMD.
• Rain likely till July 7: The weather department has forecast thunderstorms and rain every day between July 3 and July 7. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain between 23°C and 24°C, while maximum temperatures are likely to stay between 33°C and 35°C.
• Thursday forecast: The IMD has predicted a generally cloudy sky with moderate rainfall on Thursday. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 33°C, with the minimum near 24°C.
• Past monsoon arrivals: The southwest monsoon reached Delhi on June 25 in 2020 and on July 13 in 2021, making this year’s expected onset one of the latest in recent years.