1 July, 2025-The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday announced that the southwest monsoon has covered the entire country, nine days ahead of the usual schedule. The normal date for complete monsoon coverage across India is July 8.
According to the IMD, the monsoon advanced into the remaining parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana, marking its complete reach across the nation by July 1. The early arrival and swift progression are attributed to favorable meteorological conditions, including strong westerly winds and active low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal.
“The monsoon has now covered the entire country, including the northwestern regions, well before its normal date,” said an official from the IMD. The monsoon had initially set in over Kerala on May 26, two days earlier than the usual onset date of June 1.
Following its early onset, the monsoon progressed steadily through southern, central, and eastern India, reaching key cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Patna by mid-June. The national capital, Delhi, along with parts of Punjab and Rajasthan, received its first significant showers by the end of June — much earlier than expected.
Agricultural experts believe the early monsoon could have a positive impact on Kharif crop sowing. States like Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar have already reported a rise in sowing activity due to improved soil moisture. However, they also cautioned that irregular rainfall patterns or prolonged dry spells after early rains could pose risks to crop health.
“The early rains have certainly boosted initial sowing, but a lot depends on the uniformity and distribution of rainfall over the next two months,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Agriculture.
The early monsoon has also started replenishing major water reservoirs across the country. As per the Central Water Commission, several reservoirs in southern and central India are now reporting storage levels 10 to 15 percent higher than the same period last year. This development is expected to support drinking water supply, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation.
IMD forecasts indicate that rainfall in the first half of July is likely to remain normal to above normal in most regions, which could further aid agricultural activities and water resource management.
The unusual early arrival of the monsoon raises important questions about shifting climatic patterns and their long-term impact. Weather scientists continue to monitor conditions closely to assess whether the trend indicates broader climate variability or remains an isolated occurrence.
