Monsoon Update 2025: After enduring weeks of intense heatwaves and dust storms, India is finally seeing the much-awaited southwest monsoon make its advance. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this year’s monsoon has arrived nearly two weeks ahead of schedule, already bringing heavy downpours to Maharashtra and now rapidly progressing toward northern states.
The monsoon hit Kerala on May 24, much earlier than usual, and reached Mumbai by early June – almost 14 days before its normal onset. Now, weather models suggest Delhi could experience its first monsoon showers between June 22-23, significantly earlier than its typical June 27 arrival date.
Over the next five days (June 20-25), northern states including Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall, with IMD issuing alerts for isolated extremely heavy downpours in eastern Uttar Pradesh between June 19-21.
Meteorologists warn that Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh could see rainfall accumulations of 50-100 mm between June 20-25, raising concerns about potential landslides in hilly areas.
Meanwhile, central Indian states like Madhya Pradesh and Bihar should prepare for the monsoon becoming fully active by June 20-23, with cities including Lucknow, Gwalior and Gaya likely to receive 50-80 mm of rain between June 21-23. While the early monsoon brings relief from scorching temperatures, authorities advise citizens to stay alert for waterlogging in urban areas and possible disruptions to power and transportation services.
The early arrival of monsoon rains this year is attributed to favorable atmospheric conditions over the Arabian Sea, though experts caution that the accelerated pace doesn’t necessarily predict overall monsoon performance for the entire season.
Residents across northern and central India are advised to follow local weather updates and prepare accordingly for the incoming wet spell that promises to break the prolonged heatwave but may also bring its own set of challenges.