After Many False Starts, IMD Says Monsoon Set To Hit Today

Most Delayed Arrival In The City In 19 Years

New Delhi: Reeling under scorching heat and high humidity, Delhi-NCR residents may finally get some rain relief. The Met department says the long-delayed monsoon is likely to hit the region on Sunday, bringing some showers in its wake that would lower temperatures over the next few days.

However, Delhiites will be wary. So far, the monsoon has repeatedly failed to keep its — rather, the India Meteorological Department’s — dates with the capital. The IMD had initially forecast the monsoon’s arrival around mid-June, which would have made it one of the earliest onsets over Delhi.

The next likely onset window, July first week, too went by with no signs of the rain-bearing system. If the monsoon finally hits the city on Sunday, it would be the most delayed advent in 19 years.

Delhi had last seen a more delayed monsoon onset in 2002, when it reached the city on July 19.