Early Monsoon Arrival Brings Mixed Results Across India

The India Meteorological Department announced that the southwest monsoon covered the entire country by July 2, six days ahead of its usual date. While it arrived early in Kerala and northeastern regions, it lost momentum before reaching certain areas, resulting in below-normal rainfall for June and potential heavy rains in July.

In an unprecedented development, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the southwest monsoon has enveloped the entire nation six days ahead of schedule. Initially touching down in Kerala and northeastern areas by May 30, the monsoon's advance has been rapid. However, its momentum waned as it approached regions such as West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand.

The IMD reported a significant shortfall in June's rainfall, tallying 147.2 mm against the norm of 165.3 mm, making it the seventh lowest since 2001. This shortfall has compounded the impact of a severe heatwave in northwest India.

Looking ahead, the IMD predicts above-normal rainfall in July, posing a potential flood risk for the western Himalayan states and central river basins. This forecast comes as a mixed blessing following a month of subpar precipitation levels.