Monsoon hits Delhi, heavy showers expected (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI - The long-awaited monsoon reached the capital Monday after a six-day delay, with the weather office predicting that the rainfall this season “will be good”.

“The monsoon reached the city today (Monday). Even though the city missed its usual monsoon date June 29, the rainfall for this season will be good,” B.P. Yadav, director of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), told IANS.

The city recorded 57.8 mm of rainfall till 8.30 a.m. Monday with 97 percent humidity. The weather officials have forecast heavy rainfall in some parts of the capital Tuesday.

“Skies will remain cloudy sky with a few spells of thundershowers, one or two may be heavy in some parts of the city. The maximum and minimum temperature is expected to hover around 35 degrees Celsius and 25 degree Celsius respectively,” said an IMD official.

Delhi Monday recorded a maximum of 32 degrees Celsius, four notches below average while the minimum settled at 25.5 degrees Celsius, three degrees below average.

The humidity was recorded at 97 percent.

The monsoon showers brought smiles on the faces of Delhi residents who were experiencing scorching heat during the last several days.

“I am so happy that finally the monsoon has reached Delhi. I hope it rains heavily this season,” said Tripati Singh, a banking professional.

Several people thronged the Indian Gate lawns towards the evening to enjoy the pleasant weather.

“I decided to come out with my friends in the evening after so long. The weather is very nice and cool breeze is making us feel fresh,” said an excited Harshi Gupta, a housewife.

Last year, the monsoon arrived in the capital June 30.