India is witnessing one of its earliest full monsoon covers in recent years, with the Southwest Monsoon (SWM) advancing nearly two weeks ahead of schedule. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that most parts of the country, barring Delhi as of June 24, have come under monsoon influence, significantly earlier than the normal nationwide coverage date of July 8.
Accelerated Progress After Initial Stall
The onset of the monsoon over Kerala on May 24, a full week earlier than the average date of June 1, set the pace. Despite an early start, both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal branches stalled for several weeks. The Arabian Sea branch paused over Maharashtra on May 26, resuming only by June 15, while the Bay of Bengal branch stagnated in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Northeast India from May 29 to June 16.
Following its mid-June revival, the monsoon advanced swiftly. By June 22, monsoon winds had reached Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Kashmir, and parts of Jammu and Punjab, well ahead of their typical schedule. By June 24, it had further extended into Haryana and Chandigarh, with Delhi expected to receive monsoon rains within 36 hours, according to IMD.
Rainfall Patterns and Flood Impact
The second half of June has seen a marked increase in rainfall intensity, causing floods and flood-like conditions in several regions. Nationwide rainfall between June 1 and June 24 measured 124.5 mm, which is 4% above the normal of 119.9 mm for this period.
South India had a dry start, with below-normal rainfall from June 1–8, improved rains through mid-June, and moderate rains thereafter. Still, the region has a 7.2% deficit as of June 24. Parts of Karnataka and Kerala reported flooding.
Northeast and East India experienced heavy rainfall in late May and early June, causing severe floods and landslides. A report by Sphere India said at least 50 deaths occurred and 15,000 hectares of crops were damaged. Assam was worst hit with 17 deaths and over 630,000 people affected across 21 districts. Mizoram recorded 598 landslides in just 11 villages.
Central India, including Gujarat, saw below-normal rainfall till June 14, followed by a sharp increase. Floods in Gujarat claimed 15 lives, according to European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), while Rajasthan and West Bengal also experienced significant flooding.
In Northwest India, areas like Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh began seeing flood-like conditions by June 24 as the monsoon intensified.
A Season of Extremes
The season began with 86% excess rainfall across the country on June 1, with precipitation in southern, northeastern, and central India from the monsoon and in northern areas from pre-monsoon thunderstorms. From June 5–14, rainfall dropped below normal levels but rebounded strongly from June 15, maintaining above-normal levels since then.
As climate variability increases, such erratic monsoon behavior characterized by early onset, stalling, and sudden intensification presents growing challenges for disaster preparedness, agricultural planning, and water management across India.