Active Southwest Monsoon Brings Rain Alerts to Several States, Even as the National Capital Faces Rising AQI and Humid Weather

The southwest monsoon has intensified across large parts of the country, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue heavy rainfall alerts for several states. While widespread showers are expected to provide relief from the summer heat in many regions, Delhi continues to experience hot and humid conditions accompanied by deteriorating air quality.

The contrasting weather pattern underscores the uneven progress of the monsoon, with eastern and northeastern India likely to receive significant rainfall, while the national capital awaits more substantial showers.

Delhi Experiences Cloudy Skies but Humidity Remains High

Residents of Delhi woke up to partly cloudy skies on Monday, but the cloud cover brought little relief from the oppressive humidity. According to the IMD, maximum temperatures are expected to remain between 36°C and 38°C, while minimum temperatures are likely to stay around 26°C to 28°C.

The "feels-like" temperature climbed well above the actual reading due to high moisture levels in the atmosphere, making outdoor conditions uncomfortable despite the absence of a heatwave warning. Strong surface winds of up to 40 kmph are expected during parts of the day, although no significant rainfall has been forecast for the capital.

Air Quality Slips into the 'Poor' Category

Alongside the uncomfortable weather, Delhi's air quality has worsened considerably. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the 'Poor' category, marking one of the highest pollution readings recorded in recent months.

Environmental experts attribute the deterioration to stagnant atmospheric conditions, high humidity and limited wind circulation, which reduce the dispersion of pollutants. Although monsoon rains usually help improve air quality, the lack of widespread rainfall over Delhi has delayed any meaningful improvement.

Health experts advise children, elderly citizens and individuals with respiratory conditions to minimize prolonged outdoor activities until air quality improves.

IMD Issues Heavy Rainfall Alert for Multiple States

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across several parts of eastern, northeastern and northern India over the next few days.

States likely to receive intense rainfall include:

• Assam and Meghalaya

• Bihar

• West Bengal

• Arunachal Pradesh

• Eastern Uttar Pradesh

• Odisha

• Uttarakhand

• Sikkim

• Nagaland

• Manipur

• Mizoram

• Tripura

The weather department has warned that isolated areas may experience waterlogging, localized flooding and temporary disruptions to road and rail transport due to intense rainfall.

Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds to Accompany Rainfall

In addition to heavy rain, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds are expected in several regions.

The IMD has predicted wind speeds of 40–50 kmph over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh, while parts of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Telangana may witness thunderstorms with winds reaching 30–40 kmph.

Authorities have advised residents to exercise caution during thunderstorm activity by avoiding open spaces, securing loose objects and staying updated through official weather advisories.

Heatwave Conditions Persist in Select Coastal Regions

Despite the strengthening monsoon, isolated parts of southern India continue to face extreme weather.

The IMD has issued a heatwave alert for parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh, while Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal are expected to experience hot and humid conditions.

Meteorologists note that uneven monsoon advancement often creates sharp contrasts in weather patterns, with some regions witnessing heavy rain while others continue to experience high temperatures.

Marine Advisory Issued for Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal

The weather department has also issued marine warnings for parts of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, where squally weather and rough sea conditions are expected.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into affected waters until conditions improve, while coastal authorities remain on alert for strong winds and high waves that could disrupt fishing and shipping activities.

Impact on Agriculture and Economy

The expected rainfall is likely to benefit the ongoing Kharif sowing season, improving soil moisture levels and supporting crops such as paddy, maize, pulses and oilseeds. A healthy monsoon is crucial for India's agricultural output, rural incomes and food inflation.

However, excessive rainfall in some regions may also lead to crop damage, delays in harvesting activities and disruptions to transportation networks. Urban areas with inadequate drainage infrastructure could witness flooding and traffic congestion, affecting daily business activity.

Weather to Influence Power Demand and Consumption

Weather conditions are also expected to influence electricity demand across the country. Cooler temperatures in rain-affected regions may reduce the need for air conditioning, while continued heat and humidity in parts of northern and southern India are likely to keep power consumption elevated.

Demand for seasonal products, beverages and cooling appliances may remain strong in regions where temperatures continue to stay above normal.

Outlook: Active Monsoon Likely to Continue

The IMD expects the southwest monsoon to remain active over the coming days, bringing widespread rainfall to several parts of the country. While the rains are expected to support agriculture, improve reservoir levels and ease water shortages, authorities are also preparing for localized flooding, landslides in hilly regions and weather-related disruptions.

For Delhi, residents may have to wait a little longer for meaningful rainfall. Until then, hot and humid conditions, coupled with poor air quality, are likely to keep weather-related discomfort elevated despite the presence of cloudy skies.