Monsoon Arrives in Delhi; But Humidity Refuses to Budge

July 3, 2026

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has officially declared the onset of the Southwest Monsoon over Delhi, bringing widespread rainfall and ending a prolonged spell of heat across the national capital. The monsoon arrived on July 3, five days later than its normal onset date of June 27, offering much-needed relief from soaring temperatures.

However, despite the rainfall, humidity levels remained high, ranging between 61 and 95 per cent, making the weather feel muggy in many parts of the city.

IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Rain

Following Thursday’s rainfall, the IMD issued a yellow alert for Delhi and adjoining areas, forecasting moderate rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds over the next few days. Similar weather conditions are expected on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with daytime temperatures likely to remain between 33°C and 38°C until July 8.

The rain also brought down the maximum temperature to 33°C, around 4.4 degrees below normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 22.8°C, about 5.1 degrees below the seasonal average.

Why Is Humidity Still So High?

While rainfall has lowered temperatures, humidity remains high because the Southwest Monsoon brings moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. After rain, water from roads, soil and vegetation evaporates into the air, increasing the amount of moisture in the atmosphere.

When wind speeds are low and cloud cover traps moisture near the surface, people continue to experience sticky and uncomfortable conditions even though the temperature is lower. Such weather is common during the early phase of the monsoon in Delhi.

Monsoon Advances Across North India

The IMD said the Southwest Monsoon has also advanced over most parts of Haryana, Punjab, the remaining areas of Uttar Pradesh, and additional regions of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

According to IMD records, Delhi’s monsoon arrived slightly later than last year but much earlier than in 2021 and 2002, when the onset was delayed until July 13 and July 19, respectively.