Monsoon covers entire India nine days early, reaches Delhi ahead of schedule

NEW DELHI:
The southwest monsoon has covered the entire country nine days ahead of its usual schedule, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Sunday (June 29, 2025). Delhi received its first monsoon rains a day before the expected onset date of June 30, providing relief from the sweltering heat.

According to the IMD, this is the earliest the monsoon has covered the entire Indian mainland since 2020, when it had reached Delhi by June 26. Typically, the monsoon sets over Kerala by June 1 and covers the country by July 8. This year, it reached Kerala much earlier on May 24, marking its earliest onset over the Indian mainland since 2009, when it had arrived on May 23.

Rapid advance aided by strong weather systems

The IMD attributed the rapid progress of the monsoon to strong low-pressure systems over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. After reaching Kerala on May 24, the monsoon quickly advanced to central Maharashtra, including Mumbai, and covered the entire northeast by May 29.

However, between May 29 and June 16, its advance stagnated for about 18 days due to prevailing weather conditions, particularly anti-cyclonic winds over parts of north India that blocked the flow of monsoon currents.

Arrival in Delhi brings relief

Despite the brief stagnation, the monsoon surged forward again in late June. On Sunday, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 27°C and a maximum of 33°C, with widespread rains bringing much-needed respite from the heat and humidity.

Parts of Delhi, including east, west, south and southeast regions, had already experienced rainfall on June 28, signaling the imminent arrival of the monsoon. However, central and northern parts of the city remained relatively dry.

IMD forecast for 2025: Above-normal rainfall likely

Earlier in May, the IMD had forecast that India would likely receive 106% of the long-period average (LPA) rainfall of 87 cm during the June-September season. Rainfall between 96% and 104% of the LPA is considered ‘normal’.

The department expects above-normal rainfall in most parts of the country, with some exceptions. Below-normal rainfall is forecast for Ladakh, adjoining areas of Himachal Pradesh, parts of northeast India, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. Isolated pockets in Punjab, Haryana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu may also see below-normal rains.

Monsoon crucial for India’s agriculture and economy

The southwest monsoon remains the lifeline of India’s agriculture sector, which employs roughly 42% of the population and contributes around 18.2% to the country’s GDP.

The rains are vital for replenishing groundwater and reservoirs, which in turn are essential for drinking water supplies, irrigation, and power generation. Farmers rely heavily on timely and adequate monsoon rainfall to plant and sustain key crops such as rice, pulses, cotton, and sugarcane.

Historical significance of early onset

IMD data show that such early, widespread coverage of the monsoon is relatively rare. The last comparable instance was in 2020, when it reached Delhi by June 26. The early Kerala onset this year on May 24 is also among the earliest on record since 2009.

The IMD explained that early onsets are typically driven by stronger-than-usual low-pressure systems and favorable wind patterns over the Indian Ocean. This year, strong systems over both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal played a critical role in pushing monsoon currents quickly over the subcontinent.

Expected withdrawal

While onset dates are important, so too are withdrawal dates. The monsoon typically begins retreating from northwest India around September 17 and withdraws completely by October 15. It remains to be seen how this early onset will impact the overall monsoon duration and withdrawal timeline this year.

Meteorologists often caution that early onset does not guarantee surplus or well-distributed rainfall. The temporal and spatial distribution of rain will be critical for sectors such as agriculture, water management, and power generation.

Conclusion

This year’s early arrival of monsoon over Delhi and its swift advance across the country brings hope for better crop sowing conditions and replenished reservoirs. However, IMD has also warned of regional variations, with some parts of the country expected to receive less than normal rainfall.

As India enters the core monsoon months of July and August, authorities will continue monitoring rainfall distribution and intensity to manage flood risks and ensure adequate water supply for agriculture and domestic use.

With above-normal rainfall predicted overall, the 2025 monsoon is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the rural economy, even as authorities remain alert to localised flooding and other weather-related challenges.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Chemkart India, Meta Infotech, Happy Square Outsourcing Services, Travel Food Services, Cryogenic, Crizac.

The Current active IPO are Silky Overseas, Vandan Foods, Pushpa Jewellers, Cedaar Textile, Marc Loire Fashions, Neetu Yoshi, Adcounty Media India, Moving Media Entertainment, Valencia India, PRO FX Tech, Ace Alpha Tech, Indogulf Cropsciences.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.