Sticky Heat Lingers in Delhi Despite Ongoing Showers

Step outside in Delhi these days, and it’s impossible to ignore that sticky, almost suffocating humidity. The capital and its satellite towns have been battling waves of humid heat, and while light rain brought brief moments of respite, there’s no real escape yet. You’d expect the city’s turbulent mix of rainfall, cloud cover, and windy spells to cool things down more—but temperatures are stubbornly clinging above the usual mark for this time of year.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) isn’t sugarcoating it: maximum temperatures across Delhi and much of northwest India are sitting 2-3°C above normal, and forecasters don’t expect a dramatic dip right away. The past week brought thunderstorms and gusty winds, peppered with light-to-moderate rainfall. Some areas even saw isolated heavy downpours, especially on July 22, leaving puddles on the roads and a surge of hope for cooler weather. But by evening, humidity was back in full force, making evenings as sticky as afternoons. Minimum temperatures have danced between being a tad cooler and hovering just around the seasonal norms, never straying far enough to make a difference.

IMD Forecast: Waiting for the Cool Down

If you’re wondering when shirt-clinging humidity will finally ease, the IMD’s forecast offers a glimmer of hope. The department’s outlook for July 24-30 paints a picture of mostly cloudy skies, scattered rainfall, and a bit of temperature drama: expect things to warm up a bit before a gradual cool-off. Don’t be surprised by sudden showers—the city’s rainfall pattern during this period has been unpredictable, with spells of dry heat giving way to heavy rain for a few hours.

And as July wraps up, watch for a turning point. IMD’s predictions for early August suggest that the relentless muggy heat could finally give way to something more tolerable. Near-normal temperatures are expected to return to Delhi and the northwest region. So, if your AC or ceiling fan just isn’t enough, relief could be around the corner.

For now, umbrella-toting commuters will have to brave the damp mornings and sweaty afternoons. Rain isn’t vanishing, and the next isolated downpour might catch you off guard—don’t expect this monsoon to be predictable. But as the city waits for a real break, residents are keeping a close eye on the forecast and hoping the end of July delivers its promise of cooler, less stifling days.