Maharashtra Welcomes Monsoon Early: A First in 35 Years!
Maharashtra Bathed in Early Monsoon Showers
The southwest monsoon has arrived in Maharashtra a day earlier than expected, marking the earliest onset of the crucial rainy season in the state for 35 years! The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the news on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
This early arrival brings a welcome respite from the scorching heat and sets the stage for a potentially bountiful agricultural season. But it’s not just Maharashtra that’s feeling the monsoon’s embrace. The IMD reports that the monsoon has also advanced into parts of Karnataka, Goa, and the northern Bay of Bengal, as well as Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland.
Mumbai and Beyond Brace for Rain
According to the IMD, Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra can expect to see the monsoon’s influence within the next three days. They predict that the monsoon will also reach more areas of Karnataka, including Bengaluru, parts of Andhra Pradesh, and the remaining parts of Tamil Nadu.
The IMD scientist Sushma Nair shared that the last time the monsoon reached Maharashtra on this early date was back in 1990, on May 20th.
A Look at the Monsoon’s Journey
This year’s monsoon journey has been particularly noteworthy. It hit Kerala, the traditional first destination for the monsoon, on Saturday, May 24th. This arrival was also exceptionally early, marking its earliest appearance in the Indian mainland since 2009 when it reached Kerala on May 23rd.
Typically, the monsoon arrives in Kerala by June 1st and covers the entire country by July 8th. It begins withdrawing from northwest India around September 17th and fully retreats by October 15th.
The early arrival of the monsoon in Maharashtra raises hopes for a successful agricultural season and a welcome reprieve from the summer heat.
Experts Weigh In
M Rajeevan, a renowned monsoon expert and former secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, explained that while early onset and widespread coverage on the first day aren’t uncommon, the active monsoon conditions are expected to persist until at least June 2nd, further advancing the monsoon into Maharashtra and the eastern parts of the country.
Looking Ahead
As the monsoon progresses, it will be interesting to see how it impacts various regions and the subsequent agricultural output. The IMD will continue to monitor the monsoon’s progress and provide updates on its advancement and intensity.
