Monsoon to take a break: Dry weather will return to these places
The recent spell of widespread showers changed India's season for the better, but weather patterns are once again evolving, and celebrations might have to be paused. Here's why.
After days of heavy downpours that flooded streets and brought relief to parched fields, India's monsoon is set to take a break.
Meteorologists have noted that a dry phase will hit large parts of the country, bringing sunny skies and muggy heat to many areas.
India has just seen nine straight days of above-average rainfall, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This surge helped improve the seasonal rainfall picture after the country faced it's fifth-driest June in 126 years.
RECENT RAIN AND RELIEF
Following a relatively dry June, rain soon arrived.
In Delhi, areas recorded over 100 mm of rain in 24 hours, causing waterlogging, traffic jams, and uprooted trees.
Mumbai and nearby regions also faced severe showers, with some spots getting most of their expected July rain in just a few days.
Flash floods, landslides in hilly areas, and flight and train delays affected daily life across northern, western, and central India.
The seasonal winds that bring most of India's annual rain had stalled earlier but roared back with low-pressure systems that pulled in moisture from the Bay of Bengal.
In other words, the monsoon arrived with spirit for millions who had been eagerly awaiting.
But the stay, it seems, is expected to be short-lived.
WHAT PLACES WILL FACE DRY DAYS?
Weather experts warn that the monsoon belt, as of Friday, July 10, has begun shifting toward the Himalayan foothills. As the belt shifts, it will let dry winds from the west move deep into the country for the next 5-7 days.
This invasion by dry winds will stall the healthy rain spells across multiple regions, and turn off the monsoon tap.
Places likely to see little or no rain include Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.
These areas can expect mostly dry weather and very humid, uncomfortable conditions with feels like temperatures hitting 45-50°C due to the combination of heat and moisture in the air.
In contrast, states closer to the shifted monsoon axis, such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, and the Northeast, will continue to get heavy to very heavy rains.
WILL IMD'S WARNING COME TO PASS?
The IMD had already forecast below-normal rainfall for July overall, around 94% of the long-term average on June 30.
This expected lull aligns with that prediction and could push the seasonal total back into deficit territory.
A short dry break is normal in the monsoon season, but its early arrival in mid-July raises concerns for newly planted kharif crops like rice that need steady moisture.
Farmers without irrigation may face challenges if the dry spell lasts too long.
Another active rain phase is likely later in July, but for now, many regions will experience a temporary pause in the monsoon.
Residents in dry zones should prepare for sultry days ahead while staying alert for any sudden changes.