Delhi-NCR monsoon rains bring relief; IMD issues yellow alert for July 3
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Rain lashed several parts of Delhi-NCR on Thursday, 3 July 2025, delivering much-needed respite from the oppressive heat and humidity that had gripped the national capital region in recent days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) simultaneously issued a yellow alert for Delhi and adjoining areas, forecasting cloudy skies, moderate rainfall spells, and strong surface winds as the Southwest Monsoon continues to gain momentum across North India.
Delhi Temperature and Forecast
According to the IMD, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature ranging between 33°C and 34.8°C on Wednesday — a perceptible drop from the intense heat that had marked the preceding days. Thursday's maximum is forecast to stay between 32°C and 34°C, accompanied by light rainfall and gusty winds, extending the relief further into the week.
The weather department noted that the seasonal system is strengthening and is expected to advance further into several northern states over the coming days, raising the likelihood of widespread rainfall across the region. This comes amid a broader pattern of accelerated monsoon progress that has been observed across central and northern India this season.
Southwest Monsoon Advances into North India
Officials confirmed that the Southwest Monsoon is on track to cover more of North India in the days ahead, with conditions remaining favourable for sustained rainfall. The system's continued strengthening is expected to influence weather patterns across multiple northern states, potentially bringing relief to agrarian communities dependent on timely monsoon onset.
Notably, this progression marks a significant step in the monsoon's northward journey, which typically reaches Delhi around the first week of July.
Uttarakhand on Orange Alert as Monsoon Covers Entire State
In Uttarakhand, the Southwest Monsoon blanketed the entire state by Wednesday, 2 July, having entered most parts a day earlier on Tuesday, according to the Dehradun Meteorological Centre. The rapid advancement prompted the IMD to issue an orange alert for Thursday, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations across five districts, including Dehradun.
Authorities have flagged the possibility of waterlogging, landslides, and other rain-related disruptions in vulnerable hill areas — a recurring concern during peak monsoon months in the state.
Rainfall Data Across Uttarakhand Districts
According to data released by the Dehradun Meteorological Centre, Dehradun recorded 56 mm of rainfall on Wednesday, followed by Jolly Grant at 52.5 mm, Laksar at 49 mm, Mussoorie at 43 mm, Rudraprayag at 32.5 mm, Haldwani at 29.5 mm, Pauri Garhwal at 28.5 mm, Kirtinagar at 23.5 mm, and Khanpur at 23 mm.
The figures underline the widespread and significant impact of the advancing monsoon across the hill state, with multiple districts recording substantial single-day totals. Residents and local administrations in vulnerable zones have been urged to remain vigilant.
What to Expect Next
With the monsoon strengthening and the IMD maintaining active alerts across both Delhi-NCR and Uttarakhand, the coming days are likely to see continued rainfall activity across North India. Authorities in hill districts are on standby for landslide response, while urban centres like Delhi are monitoring drainage systems ahead of heavier spells that typically accompany a fully established monsoon.