Residents in various parts of Haryana, including the prominent hub of Gurugram, are currently grappling with stifling humidity and intense heat. However, a significant respite is just around the corner as the south-west monsoon prepares to make its entry into the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that while July 1 might bring some light to moderate showers in scattered pockets, residents will still have to endure one last day of muggy conditions and high temperatures before the weather completely transitions. According to updates from the Chandigarh Meteorological Centre, the monsoon is expected to advance with great strength, bringing widespread rainfall over the next few days.
Widespread Heavy Rainfall Expected Across Haryana and Chandigarh
The weather department's comprehensive five-day outlook suggests a substantial escalation in rain activities across Chandigarh and Haryana starting from July 2 and lasting through July 6. On July 1, several areas are likely to witness gusty winds blowing at speeds of 40-50 km/h, accompanied by thunderstorms and active lightning strikes. Following this initial spell, the intensity of the rain will surge significantly, with heavy downpours predicted for Chandigarh and several districts of Haryana on July 2, July 3, July 4, and July 6, which will help wash away the persistent summer heat.
Four-Day Yellow Alert and Safety Advisories for Haryana
In anticipation of the turbulent weather conditions, a Yellow Alert has been officially issued for the state from July 1 to July 4. Along with the alert, the weather station has released crucial safety guidelines for citizens and the farming community. Farmers are strongly advised not to leave their harvested crops exposed to the elements in open fields and instead shift them to secure, waterproof storage. Additionally, the public is urged to avoid waterlogged areas, refrain from taking shelter under trees during lightning storms, and stay away from dilapidated or weak structures that could collapse under strong winds.
Chandigarh Experiences a Drastically Dry June
The build-up to the monsoon has been characterized by an unusually dry pre-monsoon phase in Chandigarh. Meteorological data reveals that Chandigarh recorded only 39.3 mm of rainfall during June 2026, which is a staggering 75 percent lower than the normal average of 155.5 mm. Because of this massive deficit, the month has been classified as deficient by weather experts. A retrospective analysis of the last 14 years shows that this was the third-driest June since 2013. The driest June on record during this period occurred in 2024 when rainfall plummeted to just 11.9 mm (92 percent below normal), followed by June 2019 which saw only 24.8 mm of rain (81 percent below normal).
Gradual Decline in Temperatures on the Horizon
With heavy cloud cover rolling in and continuous rain in the forecast, both day and night temperatures are set to tumble. After peaking at 39-40°C on July 1, the maximum temperature is expected to settle between 36°C and 38°C from July 2 to July 4. Correspondingly, minimum temperatures are projected to slide down to the mid-to-high 20s in degrees Celsius, bringing much-needed cool nights and relieving residents of the oppressive nocturnal humidity that has plagued the region for weeks.
Late Monsoon Arrival in Himachal Pradesh
In neighboring Himachal Pradesh, the south-west monsoon made its official entry after a delay of approximately 10 days. The initial phase of the monsoon has covered parts of Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul Spiti, Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, and Sirmaur. Forecasters expect the system to advance and cover the remaining parts of the hill state over the next two to three days. Between July 1 and July 4, low-lying hills, plains, and adjacent middle-hill areas are expected to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall, while the higher reaches are likely to experience light to moderate precipitation.
Orange Alerts Declared for Multiple Himachal Districts
Recognizing the threat of flash floods and landslides, the IMD has declared Orange Alerts for several districts in Himachal Pradesh, with the heaviest rainfall projected for July 2 and July 3. Specifically, on July 2, an Orange Alert is in place for Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur, warning of severe thunderstorms, high-speed winds, and torrential rains. On July 3, the Orange Alert will shift to Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Una. On July 4, the alert will remain active for Shimla, Kangra, and Mandi. Similar to Chandigarh, June was an exceptionally dry month for Himachal Pradesh. Only Kangra and one other district managed to record near-normal rainfall, while the other 10 districts faced a severe rain deficit.
