India, June 29 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Delhi by July 4, bringing much-needed relief from the prolonged spell of intense heat and humid conditions prevailing across the national capital. The weather office said favourable conditions are developing for the monsoon to advance into northwest India over the coming days.

According to the IMD, Delhi is expected to witness a gradual change in weather before the monsoon's arrival, with increasing cloud cover, thunderstorms, gusty winds and intermittent rainfall likely over the next few days. The rainfall is expected to bring down daytime temperatures and provide respite from the ongoing heatwave.

The southwest monsoo...