The southwest monsoon has once again become active. On Wednesday, it reached Uttar Pradesh five days late, while it arrived in Rajasthan a week earlier than usual. Over the next 2–3 days, it is expected to advance into Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, covering a large part of northern India. Several states across the country are experiencing rainfall, providing some relief from the scorching heat and the ongoing heatwave. The monsoon’s activity is also crucial for Kharif crop sowing.
On Wednesday, the monsoon entered Uttar Pradesh through Sonbhadra district, triggering rainfall in several eastern UP districts, including Ballia, Mau, and Ghazipur. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy to very heavy rain is expected on Thursday in 16 districts of eastern UP and the Terai region. An orange alert has also been issued for thunderstorms and lightning in 39 districts. The monsoon is likely to cover the entire state within the next 2–3 days.
Pre-monsoon showers in some areas of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have also provided relief from the heat. In Rajasthan, the monsoon had reached nearly half the state a week ago. Heavy rain is expected in parts of eastern and southern Rajasthan over the next 3–4 days.
Monsoon Likely to Advance Further
The IMD has stated that conditions remain favourable for further advancement of the monsoon. In the next 2–3 days, it is likely to cover the remaining parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, and reach some parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir. The monsoon is expected to arrive in Uttarakhand on June 20 and in Himachal Pradesh on June 21.
It is worth noting that the monsoon had arrived in Kerala eight days early this year, but slowed down after May 29. Now it has become active again and is advancing through the remaining parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in many parts of the country over the next 2 to 5 days, including the northeastern states.
11% Rainfall Deficit So Far
From June 1 to 18, the country recorded 11% less rainfall than the seasonal average. However, the IMD has predicted an “above normal” monsoon this year, forecasting rainfall at 106% of the long-period average (LPA) for the entire season.
On Wednesday, heavy rainfall was recorded in Jharkhand, Konkan & Goa, and parts of Gujarat. Meanwhile, good rainfall was also reported in many areas of Kerala, Madhya Maharashtra, Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal.
Weather Forecast (June 19–23):
- Heavy rain likely in Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Thunderstorms and thunderstorms are also expected at some places during this period.
- Red alert issued for very heavy rains in Jharkhand on 19 June.
- Heavy rain likely in northeastern states, West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
- Heavy rain also likely in Konkan and Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch.
- Heavy rain may occur at some places in Kerala and coastal Karnataka.