NEW DELHI, India — June 2, 2026
Monsoon Update: Relief from scorching summer temperatures continues across large parts of North India as the impact of the annual Nautapa heat spell has weakened due to active western disturbances. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), favorable atmospheric conditions over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are expected to help the southwest monsoon reach Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu within the next two to three days.
The development comes as several northern states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, experience a noticeable drop in temperatures accompanied by thunderstorms, gusty winds, and scattered rainfall.
Monsoon Expected to Reach Kerala Soon
The southwest monsoon normally arrives over Kerala around June 1 each year, marking the official beginning of India’s four-month rainy season. However, meteorologists say the influence of El Niño conditions contributed to a slight delay this year.
Despite the delay, weather systems have become increasingly favorable for monsoon advancement. IMD officials report that monsoon winds originating from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are strengthening and moving steadily northward.
Pre-monsoon rainfall has already been recorded in several coastal regions of southern India, including parts of Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Heavy showers, thunderstorms, and lightning activity are expected to intensify over coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern peninsular regions in the coming days.
Nautapa Impact Diminishes
The traditionally intense Nautapa period, often associated with extreme heat across northern and central India, has remained largely ineffective over the past few days. Active western disturbances have disrupted heatwave conditions, resulting in cooler temperatures and increased cloud cover.
Meteorologists indicate that there is currently no significant heatwave threat for most parts of North India. Instead, intermittent rainfall and strong winds are expected to dominate weather patterns through the first week of June.
Rain and Strong Winds Forecast for Delhi, Uttar Pradesh
A western disturbance remains active over northwestern Uttar Pradesh, while another weather system is expected to develop by midweek. The combined influence of these systems is likely to trigger widespread weather activity across northern states.
The IMD has forecast thunderstorms, lightning, and rainfall from Jammu and Kashmir to Uttarakhand through June 6. Wind speeds may reach 40 to 50 kilometers per hour in some areas.
Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh, and eastern Uttar Pradesh are expected to witness scattered rainfall, thunderstorms, isolated hailstorms, and strong winds reaching up to 70 kilometers per hour through June 5.
In Delhi, temperatures have already fallen significantly below seasonal averages. The city’s maximum temperature was recorded at 36.3 degrees Celsius, approximately 3.7 degrees below normal, providing welcome relief to residents.
Monsoon Likely to Expand Rapidly
Weather experts note that the southwest monsoon typically covers the entire country by mid-July. Current forecasts suggest that during the next two to three days, the monsoon may advance further into additional parts of the southwest, west-central, east-central, and northeastern Bay of Bengal regions.
The remaining portions of the southeastern Bay of Bengal are also expected to come under monsoon influence as atmospheric conditions remain favorable.
Sudden Weather Change Brings Relief in Ahmedabad
Meanwhile, weather conditions changed dramatically in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where strong winds, thunderstorms, and light rainfall swept through several parts of the city.
The sudden spell of rain reduced temperatures and eased humid conditions, offering much-needed relief to residents who had been enduring prolonged heat and discomfort. Similar weather activity has been reported in several neighboring districts, indicating a broader shift in regional weather patterns.
Outlook
With monsoon conditions strengthening and western disturbances continuing to influence northern weather, much of India is expected to experience a transition away from extreme summer heat. The coming days could bring widespread rainfall, cooler temperatures, and the official arrival of the southwest monsoon over Kerala, signaling the start of the country’s crucial rainy season.
