Southwest monsoon covers southern India, to advance over West Bengal, Northeastern states during next two days: IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday said that the Southwest Monsoon has advanced further into parts of Maharashtra, remaining parts of Karnataka, most parts of Telangana, remaining parts of Andhra Pradesh, some parts of Chhattisgarh & Odisha, and remaining parts of west-central Bay of Bengal.

The department further said that the conditions are favourable for further advance of south west monsoon over some more parts of Chhattisgarh and Odisha, remaining parts Northeastern states, some parts of West Bengal and Sikkim during next two days.

Above average monsoon rainfall

On Tuesday the IMD had said that India is likely to witness above-normal rainfall this monsoon season, forecasting 108% of the long-period average (LPA) rainfall for the month of June. Over the entire monsoon season, the country is expected to receive 106% of the LPA (which stands at 87 cm), signaling a strong and promising season for agriculture-dependent regions, reported PTI.


At a press briefing, M Ravichandran, Secretary in the Ministry of Earth Sciences, said the monsoon core zone, which includes Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and nearby regions , will receive above-normal rainfall, crucial for kharif crop cultivation.

According to IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Central and South Peninsular India are likely to see above-normal rainfall, while Northwest India will receive normal rainfall. However, the Northeast could witness below-normal rainfall this season.

Monsoon arrives early

In an unexpected development, the Southwest Monsoon advanced early this year, entering several states on May 26. It hit Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and parts of the Northeast.