The southwest monsoon, which made an early onset over Kerala on June 4, has remained virtually stuck for the past seven days, hovering over parts of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and West Bengal. Meteorologists say conditions are turning favourable for a fresh advance, with the system likely to cover remaining areas of Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in the coming days.

While the main monsoon current has been sluggish, pre-monsoon rains and thunderstorms have lashed large parts of the country, bringing both relief from the heat and tragic losses in several states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for as many as 22 states and Union Territories.

 Three Dead in UP Weather Incidents

In Uttar Pradesh, strong winds and rain claimed three lives in separate incidents on Thursday. In Chitrakoot, the roof of a newly built ₹4.5 crore auditorium was blown away by powerful gusts. Authorities reported damage to trees, tin sheds and boundary walls in several districts including Etawah, Sitapur and Firozabad.

Local officials said rescue and relief teams have been deployed in the affected areas. Power supply was also disrupted in many places due to fallen trees and poles.

 Child Killed in Punjab Dust Storm

Punjab too witnessed tragedy when a nine-year-old child died in Mansa after an iron gate collapsed on him during a strong dust storm. Several other parts of the state reported minor injuries and property damage from the squall.

In Rajasthan, strong winds affected normal life while two flights were diverted from Delhi due to poor visibility and adverse weather. Markets in smaller towns wore a deserted look as people stayed indoors during the evening hours.

 Heavy Rain Alert Across 22 States

According to the IMD, a yellow alert for rainfall has been sounded across almost the entire country, with Gujarat remaining the only exception. States including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and those in the northeast are expected to receive widespread showers in the next two days.

Heavy rainfall is likely in coastal districts of Kerala and Karnataka. Thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds reaching 50-70 kmph are forecast over Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh on June 12 and 13. Hailstorms may also occur in parts of western UP, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir.

 Lingering Heat Despite Rains

Despite the monsoon-related activity, day temperatures continued to soar above 40°C in eight states. Bathinda in Punjab recorded the highest temperature in the country at 46.2°C on Thursday. Other high readings included 45.9°C in Sri Ganganagar, 45.5°C in Brahmapuri and 45.4°C in Banda.

Meteorologists noted that such contrast between heavy local rains and extreme heat in neighbouring areas is not uncommon during the transition phase of the monsoon.

 Monsoon Progress So Far

The southwest monsoon entered the country through Kerala and quickly advanced into parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and the northeast by June 6. However, its further northward push has been stalled over Chennai, Harnai in Maharashtra and Siliguri in West Bengal for nearly a week.

Sources familiar with the weather patterns said favourable atmospheric conditions are building up and the monsoon is expected to gain momentum soon. Once it advances, it is likely to cover most of central and northern India in the coming weeks.

 Ground Reality and Public Impact

In Bihar, continuous rain has left many low-lying areas waterlogged, affecting daily commuters and farmers preparing for the kharif season. In Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, farmers welcomed the showers but also worried about damage to standing crops from strong winds and hail.

Delhi and surrounding areas saw intermittent rain and thunderstorms, bringing some respite from the scorching heat but also causing traffic snarls during the evening peak hours.

Officials have advised people to avoid venturing out during thunderstorms and to stay away from open fields and water bodies. Farmers have been asked to secure their livestock and newly transplanted paddy.

 Outlook for Next Few Days

The IMD has forecast continued thunderstorm activity over large parts of north and central India on June 12 and 13. Heavy spells are expected in Bihar, Jharkhand and parts of Odisha. Isolated hailstorms may hit Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha region.

As the monsoon finally gathers pace, experts are watching closely to see whether the stalled system can make up for the lost time. Timely and well-distributed rainfall is crucial for agriculture across the rain-fed regions of the country.

For now, the focus remains on managing the immediate impact of pre-monsoon fury while preparing for the full arrival of the seasonal rains.

Rapid Onset Brings Mixed Relief Across India

The southwest monsoon has made an unusually swift push into multiple parts of the country, covering 13 states within five days of its onset in Kerala. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system entered Telangana on Monday and continues to gain ground, bringing much-needed rain to several regions even as heatwave conditions persist in parts of the northwest.

Pre-Monsoon Activity Intensifies in Central India

Several districts in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh witnessed significant pre-monsoon activity on Monday. Bhopal received moderate rainfall accompanied by strong winds in the evening, providing temporary respite from the summer heat. In Uttar Pradesh, heavy showers lashed Gorakhpur and Jalaun, with reports of waterlogging in low-lying areas. Local residents in Bhopal stepped out with umbrellas as sudden downpours caught many by surprise late Monday.

Strong Winds and Dust Storms Hit Rajasthan

Parts of Rajasthan experienced fierce dust storms with wind speeds reaching between 60 and 120 kmph. Despite the gusty conditions, a heatwave alert remains active in the western districts. Sri Ganganagar recorded a scorching 45.6°C on Monday, while Phalodi, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner hovered around 44°C. The IMD has warned of continued heatwave conditions in the region for the next two to three days.

Red Alert for Heavy Rainfall in South

The monsoon’s progress has prompted a red alert for heavy rainfall across Kerala and in two districts of Karnataka. Officials have advised residents to stay alert for possible flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas. The system, which arrived in Kerala on June 4 — three days later than normal — has accelerated northward and eastward at a notable pace.

Monsoon Nears Mumbai, Eyes Further Advance

Along the west coast, the monsoon is now just about 150 km away from Mumbai and is expected to reach the financial capital within the next 48 hours. The normal arrival date for Mumbai is June 10. IMD officials indicated that the system is likely to advance into Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and remaining parts of the Northeast in the coming two to three days. Further progression into Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Sikkim is also anticipated soon.

Northern Heat Persists Amid Fresh Outlook

Meanwhile, heat has intensified again in northern India. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 43.4°C on Monday, with Safdarjung at 42.2°C — about 2°C above normal. The IMD has issued heatwave alerts for eight states. However, a fresh western disturbance is expected to bring some relief from June 11 onwards, with rain and thunderstorms likely in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

Weather Outlook for Coming Days

For Tuesday, thunderstorms and rain are forecast across Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and the northeastern states. Heavy rainfall may occur at isolated places in several northeastern states. Winds of 40-60 kmph could sweep across Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. On Wednesday, hailstorms are possible alongside rain in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir, while heavy rain is likely to continue over Kerala, Karnataka, and the Northeast.

The fast-moving monsoon this season has generated a mix of reactions on the ground. Farmers in rain-fed regions have welcomed the early showers, hoping for better sowing conditions, while urban centres are bracing for waterlogging and traffic disruptions. Authorities in high-risk areas have been asked to remain on high alert.

The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely. While the rapid advance is positive for overall seasonal rainfall prospects, the simultaneous occurrence of heavy rain in the south and extreme heat in the west highlights the variable nature of this year’s monsoon. Further updates are expected as the system progresses deeper into the country.