New Delhi, June 21 -- Weather experts on Saturday said the southwest monsoon is likely to arrive late in the national capital this year, with its onset potentially delayed until early July instead of the usual June 27. They also clarified that the recent spells of rain and thunderstorms in Delhi, as well as those forecast over the coming days, are not associated with the monsoon. Rather, they are reportedly the result of western disturbances affecting the region.

The delay has been attributed to the sluggish progress of the monsoon system, which has yet to cover several parts of the country, including Mumbai, where it normally reaches by June 8.

According to Hindustan Times, Mahesh Palawat, vice president of Skymet Weather, stated, "For...