Southwest Monsoon Set to Advance Over Northwest India by June 25

Monsoon Progress Update

The southwest monsoon has gained momentum this week and is anticipated to cover most regions of northwest India, including Delhi, by June 25, according to the India Meteorological Department's latest announcement.

This year's monsoon commenced on May 24 in Kerala, arriving eight days earlier than the typical June 1 date. This marks the earliest onset of the monsoon in Kerala since 2009, when it arrived on May 23.

Fueled by robust low-pressure systems in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, the monsoon rapidly progressed, reaching central Maharashtra, including Mumbai, and northeastern India by May 29.

However, a stall occurred between May 28 and June 10, resulting in a dry spell and heatwave conditions across various regions of central and northwest India, which began on Sunday due to rising temperatures.

As per the extended forecast released on Thursday, the southwest monsoon is expected to cover the remaining areas of central and eastern India, along with parts of northwest India by June 18, with additional progress anticipated between June 19 and 25.

In 2022, the monsoon reached the capital on June 28, while in 2023, it arrived on June 26.

From May 15 to May 22, India recorded rainfall that was 106% above normal, with the southern peninsula experiencing a surplus of 273% and central India 232%.

In April, the India Meteorological Department projected that this year's southwest monsoon season would likely see above-normal rainfall.