Delhi's monsoon delayed, now expected in 1st week of July
Delhi's monsoon is running late this year; it's now expected in the first week of July instead of the usual June 27.
The hold-up is because a key low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal hasn't formed yet; weather experts say it should show up around June 25-26.
Until then, Delhi will see scattered thunderstorms and some rain through June 21, but don't mistake these showers for the actual monsoon.
Nationwide rainfall 41% below normal
Across India, rainfall has been way below normal, down by 41% between June 4 and June 18, with central India hit hardest at a whopping 67% deficit.
In Delhi on Thursday, June 18, 2026, temperatures soared to nearly 40 degrees Celsius and air quality was just "moderate" (AQI: 157).
Meteorologists clarify that current storms in Delhi are due to western disturbances and cyclonic activity (not the monsoon), so expect unpredictable weather until things shift.