Delhi and its adjoining National Capital Region (NCR), including Noida, experienced a refreshing spell of showers on Thursday morning, providing much-needed relief from the intense heat. Visuals shared in various media reports showed heavy rain in parts of Delhi, such as Sarita Vihar, Munirka, and Rao Tularam Marg.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted the arrival of the monsoon over large parts of northwest India within the next three to four days, though it did not specify an exact date for Delhi. The region is expected to receive monsoon rains around June 30.

The IMD has forecast light to moderate rain in Delhi on June 29, issuing a yellow alert for the day, and moderate to heavy rain on June 30, with an orange alert issued. “We are expecting an increase in rain intensity in northwest India from June 28 and the monsoon could reach Delhi on June 29 or 30. Delhi-NCR may see a heavy rainfall spell during this period, based on which the onset of the monsoon could be declared,” said Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet, a private weather forecasting service.

Parts of the national capital and NCR received pre-monsoon showers on Wednesday, which kept Delhi’s maximum temperature below 40°C for the second consecutive day. However, the heat index (HI) or “real feel” temperature was 52°C, the same as the past two days. Delhi’s maximum temperature was 39.7°C on Tuesday and 40.4°C on Monday. The IMD forecast a maximum temperature of 38°C and a minimum of 29°C for Thursday.

Residents of Delhi have been enduring intense heat waves and a severe water crisis. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi has blamed the BJP-led Haryana government for not releasing water, exacerbating the crisis in the national capital.