New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced today that the monsoon is set to envelop several states across India by the end of this month, according to its latest forecast. As of Wednesday, the IMD reported that the monsoon has covered the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal entirely. Additionally, it is expected to make further progress into eastern and western Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, northern Punjab, and northern Haryana by June 29.IMD prediction on rainfall in Delhi In a significant update, the IMD predicts thunderstorms and rainfall in Delhi and surrounding areas starting from Thursday through Sunday. This weather pattern is anticipated to bring down temperatures to a range of 34 to 35 degrees Celsius. The monsoon onset over the national capital is expected to occur earlier than usual, potentially covering the entire country by early July, ahead of the normal schedule of July 15. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that re-monsoon showers on Wednesday maintained Delhis maximum temperature below 40°C for the second consecutive day, while keeping humidity levels elevated. The weather agency also indicated that monsoon arrival over Delhi is likely to be delayed this year, deviating from its usual onset date of June 27.According to the IMDs regional forecasts, monsoon is expected to cover large parts of northwest India over the next three to four days. However, specific mention for Delhi was absent, suggesting a delay in its arrival. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi on June 29, forecasting light to moderate rain, and an orange alert for June 30, predicting moderate to heavy rainfall.Rainfall expected over eastern and hilly regions of Northern India The northern limit of the monsoon currently passes through various points including Mundra, Mehsana, Udaipur, Shivpuri, Lalitpur, Siddhi, Chaibasa, Haldia, Pakur, Sahibganj, and Raxaul. While the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon has progressed as per the calendar, the Bay of Bengal branch has shown slower advancement. Weather experts at the IMD have highlighted enhanced rainfall activity expected over eastern and hilly regions of Northern India due to favorable weather systems. Strong south-westerly winds from the Bay of Bengal are likely to result in widespread heavy rainfall over Northeast India. Very heavy rainfall is forecasted over Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh until June 29.Heavy rainfall during weekends A trough extending from Punjab to the northwest Bay of Bengal is expected to bring heavy rainfall (64.5-115mm in 24 hours) over Bihar, eastern and western Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand starting Thursday. Uttarakhand is particularly likely to experience very heavy rainfall during Friday and Saturday.Rainfall ranging from 68 mm to 124 mmIn addition, a cyclonic circulation over Madhya Pradesh and adjoining Gujarat is anticipated to increase rainfall intensity over Jharkhand and Odisha until the weekend. Along the western coast, including Maharashtra and Kerala, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected until the end of the week due to a trough along the coast. Konkan, Goa, coastal and interior Karnataka, Kerala, Mahe, and Tamil Nadu are also likely to experience enhanced rainfall during this period. Over the past 24 hours, heavy rainfall ranging from 68mm to 124mm was recorded over Kerala, West Bengal, parts of Rajasthan, Konkan, and Goa.Partial rainfall Despite the onset of the monsoon in various regions, rainfall activity has been subdued this month. As of Tuesday, the all-India rainfall stands 19 percent below normal, totaling 103.3mm. The IMD also provided a snapshot of rainfall deficits across states where the monsoon has partially arrived: West Bengal (-67 percent), Gujarat (-51 percent), Odisha (-42 percent), Kerala (-37 percent), Mizoram (-36 percent), Nagaland (-32 percent), Arunachal Pradesh (-28 percent), Madhya Pradesh (-24 percent), and Goa (-11 percent). The agency cautioned that the countrys June rainfall is likely to remain below normal.
