Maharashtra Slated for Earliest Monsoon in Over a Decade
Maharashtra to See Early Monsoon Arrival
Good news for Maharashtra! The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is predicting the southwest monsoon will arrive in the state within the next two to three days, marking the earliest arrival in over a decade.
This early arrival comes as a welcome change for the state, which usually sees the monsoon settle in after June 5th. The IMD scientists see this development mirroring the early monsoon patterns observed in 2011 and 2013.
Early Monsoon Across India
The southwest monsoon has already made a splash in Kerala, arriving eight days ahead of schedule. The IMD expects it to advance further into central Arabian Sea, Goa, Maharashtra, parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, and even the northeast in the coming days.
How is Monsoon Onset Determined?
Before declaring the official arrival of the monsoon in Maharashtra, officials emphasize the need for consistent rainfall patterns across adjoining regions, including parts of the Western Ghats. Isolated rainfall showers might be mistaken for pre-monsoon activity.
Goa and Maharashtra’s Early Monsoon
Goa, which typically experiences the monsoon around June 5th, could be fully covered in the next couple of days. Maharashtra, too, is expected to see an early onset, potentially well ahead of its usual schedule of full coverage by June 15th.
Looking Back at Past Trends
Data from the past 14 years shows that Maharashtra’s monsoon usually begins in early to mid-June. If the current forecast holds, 2025 could mark the state’s earliest monsoon since 2011 and 2013.
Pre-Monsoon Rainfall in Pune
Pune district has already witnessed increased pre-monsoon activity. On Saturday, several areas, including Baramati, Haveli, Bhor, and Hadapsar, received rainfall.
Rainfall Across Maharashtra
Rainfall has been reported across various parts of Maharashtra, particularly Konkan and Madhya Maharashtra. Devgad and Kankavli received significant amounts of rainfall. This rainfall is linked to a depression over the east-central Arabian Sea, which is expected to weaken after crossing the coast near Ratnagiri.
Mumbai’s Dry Spell
In contrast to other parts of the state, Mumbai has remained relatively dry. Experts attribute this to unfavorable wind patterns.
