Monsoon arrives in Maharashtra, Goa earlier than expected

The southwest monsoon has started to make rapid progress across mainland India, advancing over Maharashtra and Goa two days prior to their normal date after making a late start over Kerala. The normal date for the onset in Maharashtra and Goa is June 7. The monsoon made its arrival in Kerala on June 3, two days after its usual date. Currently, the monsoon winds have covered Kerala, while making their way across most parts of Karnataka, Telangana, AP and Tamil Nadu.

“Southwest monsoon is very likely to advance further into more central Arabian Sea, some more part of Maharashtra, remaining parts of Karnataka, more parts of AP, Telangana, remaining parts of TN, more parts of central and northeast Bay of Bengal, some parts of north east Bay of Bengal, and northeast India during next 24-hours,” the IMD said in a statement.

A timely and bountiful monsoon is crucial for the agri sector, which directly or indirectly employs over half the country's population. The agriculture ministry is expecting a record harvest this year, led by rain-fed crops like rice, sugarcane, cotton and soya bean over the coming four months. Monsoon rainfall is likely to be normal across the country throughout June, the IMD said.