NEW DELHI: The southwest monsoon has gathered momentum across large parts of India, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue heavy to very heavy rainfall alerts for several regions. While states along the west coast and across Northeast India are expected to witness intense rainfall over the coming days, the national capital, Delhi, is still waiting for the monsoon to make its official entry.
According to the IMD, widespread rainfall activity is likely to continue over Northeast India, including Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. The weather department has also warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, raising concerns over waterlogging, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.
Along India’s western coastline, states such as Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Konkan and Maharashtra are expected to receive sustained monsoon showers. These rains are expected to strengthen further as fresh moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea continue to move inland, providing relief from the prolonged spell of hot and humid weather experienced in several regions.
The IMD has advised residents in areas forecast to receive heavy rainfall to remain alert, particularly in hilly regions where landslides and flooding remain a possibility. Local administrations have also been asked to monitor vulnerable zones and take precautionary measures to minimise disruptions.
Despite the widespread advancement of the monsoon across much of the country, Delhi and the National Capital Region are yet to witness the official onset of the rainy season. Although the city has experienced cloudy skies, thunderstorms and isolated showers in recent days, meteorological conditions have not yet met the criteria required for declaring the arrival of the southwest monsoon.
Weather experts indicate that favourable atmospheric conditions are gradually developing over northwest India. As moisture levels increase and monsoon currents strengthen, Delhi is expected to receive more rainfall in the coming days, bringing much-needed relief from high temperatures and uncomfortable humidity.
The delay in Delhi’s monsoon onset comes after the southwest monsoon experienced a temporary slowdown earlier this month. However, the system has since revived and continues to advance steadily into central and northern parts of the country, improving rainfall prospects across several states.
Meanwhile, eastern and northeastern states have already started witnessing widespread rain activity. Several districts are expected to record very heavy precipitation, increasing the likelihood of overflowing rivers, traffic disruptions and damage to infrastructure. Authorities have urged people living near rivers and landslide-prone areas to remain cautious throughout the forecast period.
The west coast is also expected to remain under the influence of strong monsoon currents, resulting in persistent rainfall over Kerala, coastal Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra. Fishermen have been advised to stay updated with official weather advisories before venturing into the sea.
For India’s agriculture sector, the revival of the southwest monsoon is considered encouraging. Timely rainfall during the kharif sowing season supports the cultivation of key crops such as rice, pulses, cotton and oilseeds. Adequate rainfall over the next few weeks will be crucial for ensuring healthy crop growth and maintaining water availability across farming regions.
The IMD has urged citizens to regularly monitor official weather bulletins, particularly in regions likely to experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds. As the monsoon continues its northward journey, more parts of northern India are expected to receive rainfall, gradually ending the prolonged summer heat.
