Delhi swelters under oppressive humidity as downpours threaten more lives in northeastern India

By Kristina Pydynowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

By Robert Richards, AccuWeather meteorologist

AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures will continue to climb to dangerous levels in India's National Capital Region (NCR) as substantial rain remains absent despite the monsoon season officially underway.

The onset of the monsoon was declared late last week in the NCR, but dry weather is expected to hold through at least the end of the weekend. Most of southern Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and northern Chhattisgarh will also record little rainfall during this time.

Residents instead will be at risk for heat-related illnesses with sweltering heat and humidity in control.

Conditions will be most oppressive in northwestern India. This includes in the NCR, where actual temperatures are expected to climb between 37 and 40 C (99 and 104 F) daily. When oppressive humidity is factored in and wind lessens, AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures will approach or reach 43 C (110 F) during the afternoon.

The breeze can also continue to blow around dust and reduce visibility. Hazardous air quality will further add to the dangers residents of the NCR are facing.

While the heat will be most extreme during the afternoon, sweltering conditions will last through the night with temperatures only dropping between 27 and 29 C (lower 80s F).

Precautions should be taken to avoid heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Be sure to drink plenty of water and wear light clothing.

Strenuous activities should be avoided, especially during the midday and afternoon (the hottest times of the day). If such work is necessary, take frequent breaks.

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"No significant change in the weather pattern is anticipated across India this upcoming week," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls.

"There will be an increased chance for isolated downpours in the NCR throughout the week, but substantial rain may not arrive until the end of July or early August," he added.

Residents of a housing society cool off with a "rain dance" organized to beat the heat on a hot summer day in Greater Noida, outskirts of New Delhi, India, on Saturday, June 15, 2019. (AP Photo/R S Iyer)

While the monsoon has been officially declared in the NCR, places near the border of Rajasthan and Pakistan will have to wait until later in the month.

"The monsoon may reach Pakistan no earlier than the week of July 22," Nicholls said.

Meanwhile, the greatest risk for flooding will continue to focus on areas near the Himalayas to northeast India.

Rainfall totals of 100-200 mm (4-8 inches) with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 500 mm (20 inches) will be common across the region through the end of the weekend.

While the downpours will help reduce the rainfall deficit brought on by the delayed start to the monsoon, residents will have to remain vigilant for the dangers that too much rain in a short amount of time can bring.

Persistent downpours can lead to more life-threatening flash flooding, along with risks of electrocution. Wall collapses and mudslides can also endanger residents in the hardest-hit areas.

More than 423,000 people in 749 communities have been affected by flooding in Assam, according to Thursday's daily statement from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority. Three deaths were reported the previous day; two due to flooding with a landslide to blame for the other.

Several rivers across the state, including the Brahmaputra, were listed at dangerously high levels. Some of the embankments along the rivers are eroding, threatening neighboring villages.

Download the free AccuWeather app for more precise forecast details and to stay aware of flood dangers in your community.