Gurugram: Gurugram has received slightly more rainfall than its normal seasonal average this monsoon, although Haryana as a whole continues to record a substantial rainfall deficit, according to the latest India Meteorological Department data.
Gurugram has recorded 477.6 mm of rainfall since June 1, compared with its normal monsoon rainfall of 473.2 mm, putting the district about 1% above normal.
The picture is different when the most recent week is considered. Between September 11 and 17, Gurugram received 10.2 mm of rain against a normal 21 mm, representing a weekly deficit of about 51%.
The IMD forecast indicates that Gurugram could receive light to moderate rain at some places on September 18 and 19, with isolated showers possible on September 20. Weather conditions are expected to become comparatively dry from September 21.
The changing rainfall pattern comes as the southwest monsoon begins approaching its withdrawal phase. The IMD has indicated that conditions are becoming favourable for the monsoon to start withdrawing from parts of west Rajasthan around September 19.
Across Haryana, rainfall during the week stood at 15.1 mm against a normal 18.8 mm, representing a 20% deficit. Seasonal rainfall for the state was 313.8 mm compared with the normal 411.6 mm, leaving Haryana with a cumulative shortfall of about 24%.
The difference between Gurugram and the wider state illustrates why local rainfall patterns can vary considerably even within a relatively compact region.
For residents of Gurugram, additional rainfall over the next few days could bring temporary relief from high temperatures but may also create localised waterlogging in areas where drainage capacity is limited.
The city recorded an average rainfall of 1 mm in the 24 hours ending at 8.30am on Thursday. The minimum temperature at the NorthCap University automatic weather station was 25.3 degrees Celsius.
Across Haryana, the minimum temperature fell by 2.4 degrees Celsius compared with the previous day and was 1.8 degrees below normal. Hisar recorded the state’s lowest minimum temperature at 20.5 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature was 32.9 degrees Celsius.
The transition towards the end of the monsoon season will be closely watched by farmers because rainfall at this stage can influence standing crops, harvesting conditions and soil moisture.
For urban areas, however, the concern is different. Heavy short-duration rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems even when total seasonal rainfall remains below normal.
The weather outlook suggests that Haryana may see scattered rain before conditions become drier. Residents in Gurugram and other parts of the state should therefore expect changing conditions over the next several days rather than a sudden end to monsoon influence.
The IMD’s broader seasonal data also shows that the state’s overall rainfall deficit remains significant despite Gurugram’s marginal surplus.
As the monsoon withdrawal begins, the focus will shift towards post-monsoon temperatures, air quality and the transition into the cooler months. For now, the immediate forecast points to a few more opportunities for rainfall followed by increasingly dry conditions.
