Monsoon 2026: When will rain reach Delhi? Check IMD forecast amid delayed start in Kerala

With the southwest monsoon finally making its entry into Kerala after a slight delay, attention has now shifted to one big question—when will monsoon reach Delhi? The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been tracking the monsoon’s steady northward progress, and forecasts suggest a staggered but active advance across the country.

Monsoon Arrives in Kerala, Sets the Stage for Northward Push

The southwest monsoon officially entered Kerala on June 4, 2026, marking the beginning of India’s crucial rainy season. The onset came a few days later than usual, but weather conditions have now turned favourable for its gradual spread across southern and central India.

Heavy rainfall has already been reported in Kerala and adjoining regions, signalling that the monsoon system is now active and strengthening.


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What IMD Says About Delhi Monsoon Timeline

According to IMD’s typical monsoon progression pattern, the system takes around three to four weeks to travel from Kerala to northern India.

Based on current movement trends, monsoon is expected to reach Delhi around the last week of June, likely between June 25 and June 30, depending on rainfall intensity and wind conditions over central India.

However, meteorologists caution that exact arrival dates can vary each year due to changing atmospheric patterns.

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Why Monsoon Progress Matters This Year

This year’s monsoon is being closely watched due to:

Slight delay in Kerala onset
Fluctuating pre-monsoon rainfall in north India
Expected variability influenced by large-scale climate patterns

As per IMD updates, the monsoon is currently advancing through parts of the Arabian Sea, Karnataka, Goa, and the northeast, with more states expected to come under its influence in the coming days.

Delhi Weather Before Monsoon Arrival

Until the monsoon fully reaches Delhi, the capital is expected to continue experiencing:

Hot and humid conditions
Sudden thunderstorms and dust storms
Short spells of pre-monsoon rain

These transitional weather patterns are typical before the full monsoon sets in over north India. Weather conditions are expected to improve in the capital from June 7 onwards, the IMD said. The sky is likely to remain mainly clear, with the maximum temperature rising to around 39 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature settling at 27 degrees Celsius.

On June 8, the maximum temperature is expected to touch 40 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to be 28 degrees Celsius. The weather is forecast to remain clear and no warning has been issued.

The IMD has also forecast mainly clear skies on June 9 and June 10. Maximum temperatures are expected to reach around 41 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures are likely to remain near 28 degrees Celsius on both days.

What Happens When Monsoon Hits Delhi

Once the monsoon reaches Delhi, it usually brings:

Sustained rainfall over several days
Drop in daytime temperatures
Relief from heatwave-like conditions
Improved air quality temporarily due to rain washout

The arrival also marks a shift in India’s peak agricultural activity, especially for Kharif crops.

The Bigger Picture: Monsoon’s Journey Across India

The southwest monsoon is currently moving steadily across southern and western India. It is expected to cover Maharashtra, central India, and parts of the Gangetic plains before finally reaching the northern belt, including Delhi.

Experts say the pace of advancement over the next 10–15 days will be crucial in determining whether Delhi sees an early or slightly delayed onset. While Kerala has already welcomed the rains, Delhi residents may still need to wait a few more weeks. For now, all eyes remain on the monsoon’s northward journey—and whether it sticks to its late-June arrival window for the capital.