India’s Monsoon Update: Kerala Wait Continues, But IMD Says Don’t Worry Yet

New Delhi: The southwest monsoon is slowly but steadily moving forward across India, bringing hopes of relief for millions battling scorching heat, especially in north India. While the monsoon missed its expected early arrival over Kerala this year, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) says conditions are now becoming favourable for further advancement over the next few days.According to the IMD, the monsoon has advanced into parts of the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep region, Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. The weather agency said the rain-bearing system is gradually regaining strength after a temporary slowdown caused by weak monsoon winds.For people across north India, especially Delhi-NCR, the biggest question remains: when will the rains

arrive?Also Read - Delhi Weather Today: Rain To Continue For Next Two Days; IMD Issues Orange Alert At present, the IMD has not indicated any major delay in the monsoon reaching north India. Historically, the monsoon reaches Delhi around June 27, and weather experts say the current timeline still remains broadly on track despite the delayed Kerala onset.Before the full monsoon arrives, Delhi and nearby areas are likely to witness pre-monsoon activity, including thunderstorms, gusty winds and scattered rain spells over the coming days. These weather changes could bring temporary relief from the ongoing heatwave and uncomfortable warm nights.The IMD has forecast active monsoon conditions over Northwest India during the next two days and over Central India during the next three to four days.The weather agency has also warned of extremely heavy rainfall over parts of Madhya Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Goa and Gujarat till tomorrow. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also expected over Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and East Rajasthan till June 3.Similar weather conditions are likely over parts of Karnataka, Kerala, Assam, Meghalaya, Jharkhand, Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal today.The IMD added that scattered to fairly widespread rainfall is expected over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan during the week.

Why Was The Monsoon Delayed?

The IMD had earlier predicted that the monsoon would reach Kerala around May 26, nearly five days ahead of its normal June 1 onset. However, the onset was delayed after monsoon winds temporarily weakened near the Kerala coast.Meteorologists said a cyclonic formation over the Bay of Bengal disrupted the wind system and slowed down the monsoon’s progress.Despite the delay, experts say there is no major reason for concern at this stage.According to IMD’s latest update issued on May 27, favourable atmospheric and oceanic conditions are likely to help the monsoon advance further into more parts of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal over the next two to three days.The latest IMD monsoon map shows that the system has already covered large parts of the southern Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea and is continuing its gradual northwestward movement.

What Should People Expect?

For residents in Delhi-NCR and other northern states struggling with intense heat, even pre-monsoon showers could offer much-needed relief.However, weather experts caution that pre-monsoon rain is different from the sustained rainfall seen during the full monsoon season.People living in states expecting heavy rainfall have also been advised to remain alert for waterlogging, traffic disruptions and possible local flooding, especially in low-lying areas.With temperatures remaining extremely high across many parts of north India, the slow but steady advance of the monsoon is likely to be closely watched over the coming days.