Southwest monsoon might not make any progress this month, says Met department

After making rapid progress across the first three weeks of the season, the southwest monsoon winds have stalled and aren't likely to make any progress till the end of June, the weather office said on Tuesday.

Currently, only Delhi, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan and Punjab remain uncovered by the monsoon.

As meteorological conditions have stopped the monsoon in its tracks since June 19, maximum temperatures are also set to increase in northern India and central India, the India Meteorological Department said.


"Gradual rise in maximum temperatures by 3-4?C over most parts of Northwest and adjoining Central India during next 3 days and no significant change thereafter," IMD's statement added.

The heat will persist in Delhi till at least the end of the month, with no reprieve in sight yet. The capital has consistently seen the mercury in the late 30s-early 40s Celsius this entire June month, after suffering through a similar May.

Till June 22, the monsoon-rain, which irrigates over 70% of the yearly crop, has been plenty.

The monsoon's swift progress has resulted in excessive rainfall to the tune of 37% across the country, mainly buoyed by a 60% above normal precipitation in central India which usually sees the monsoon setting by mid-June.

The Eastern India subdivision, comprising West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand, also saw a quick onset of the crucial weather system. The monsoon covered most parts of the country 7 to 10 days prior to their normal dates, IMD added.

The monsoon made a late arrival in Kerala on June 3, two days after its normal date and three days after IMD's forecast date. However, it made swift progress in the days to follow, as low-pressure systems helped the monsoon winds advance further into India.