As Northern India continues to face heatwaves, some parts of the country like Kerala, Gujarat, and Maharashtra have already experienced the onset of monsoon. Heavy rains were reported in Mumbai recently, marking an early arrival compared to the usual schedule. However, states such as Jharkhand, Bihar, Delhi, and Punjab are still awaiting relief from the scorching heat.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the monsoon could progress to cover Odisha, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and the north-west Bay of Bengal in the coming days. Despite this, northwest India has seen a significant rainfall deficit of 53%, while southern India has received 60% more rainfall than usual from June 1 to 12.
In Maharashtra, the southwest monsoon advanced slowly, covering large parts of the state. Central and northern India, on the other hand, are experiencing prolonged heatwave conditions. The IMD forecasts heatwave conditions in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Jharkhand until June 16, with a heatwave warning for Delhi until June 18.
Looking ahead, the IMD predicts that monsoon rains across the country have been 4% below normal so far this season. Monsoon watchers attribute the delayed onset in parts of central and northern India to low-level warm winds from the northwest, which are dominating the weak monsoon pulse over the Bay of Bengal.
Specifically, monsoon arrival in Delhi and other parts of northern India is expected around June 27. Meanwhile, heatwave conditions persist in several states, exacerbating the agricultural and environmental challenges posed by delayed monsoon onset.