Hyderabad, May 29, 2025: According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the country is expected to receive 106% of the long-term average rainfall of 87 cm during the entire monsoon season. The core monsoon zone, which includes regions like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Odisha, is likely to experience above-average rainfall (more than 106% of the long-term average). These areas heavily rely on the southwest monsoon for the majority of their annual rainfall, which is critical for agriculture in the region. While northwest India is expected to see normal rainfall, northeast India may receive below-average precipitation. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mahapatra stated that central and southern India are likely to experience above-normal rainfall, which is crucial for the agricultural sector and, consequently, the national economy.
The IMD announced on May 26 that the southwest monsoon arrived in Mumbai 16 days earlier than its usual date, marking the earliest arrival in the city since 1950. The monsoon also entered Kerala on May 24, the earliest since 2009 when it arrived on May 23. Typically, the southwest monsoon reaches Kerala by June 1, Mumbai by June 11, and covers the entire country by July 8. It begins retreating from northwest India around September 17 and fully withdraws by October 15. This year’s early onset has already triggered heavy rainfall in several regions.
The early arrival of the southwest monsoon has caused significant disruption in Kerala and Maharashtra, with Mumbai experiencing torrential rains. These downpours have disrupted daily life, with roads, canals, and drainage systems overflowing, leading to waterlogging in many areas. Water has even entered metro and railway stations, exacerbating the chaos.
The IMD has forecasted very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Kerala, Karnataka, coastal Maharashtra, and Goa in the coming days. Specifically, on May 27, extremely heavy rainfall is likely in Kerala, Mumbai, the Konkan region, the ghat areas of central Maharashtra, and the coastal and ghat regions of Karnataka. As farmers prepare for the Kharif crop season, these early rains are providing favorable conditions for cultivation.
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