The southwest monsoon is expected to hit the northwest states of India on June 27, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). These states include Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.
“South-westerly winds from the Arabian Sea may bring some moisture and associated relief over Punjab and Haryana from 18th or 19th June…Over North-West India, the normal date for monsoon is June 27th-30th,” IMD scientist Soma Sen told ANI.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Mumbai has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, predicting “heavy rainfall at isolated places” on Wednesday. A cyclonic circulation over Northeast Arabian Sea adjoining Saurashtra and a north-south trough running from this circulation to Eastcentral Arabian Sea off south Maharashtra coast in lower tropospheric levels are contributing to the expected rainfall.
The forecast anticipates widespread rain and thunderstorms throughout the western state over the next five days. Isolated heavy rainfall is also expected in parts of Madhya Maharashtra from June 18 to 21.
IMD data reveals that India has experienced a 20% rainfall deficit since June 1, with most regions, except for a few southern states, facing a shortage. Meanwhile, heatwave conditions persist in some northwestern states, with no rain expected soon. Central India, a major agricultural region for crops like soybeans, cotton, sugarcane, and pulses, has seen a 29% rainfall deficit. In contrast, the paddy-growing southern region has received 17% more rainfall than usual. The northeast has experienced a 20% shortfall, and the northwest has had about 68% less rainfall than normal.
However, a cyclonic circulation over northeast Assam and a north-south trough from north Bihar to southern West Bengal are causing widespread light to moderate rainfall in the northeast. Isolated heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is anticipated in parts of this region until June 21.
