Southwest Monsoon Covers Entire India; Seasonal Rainfall Reaches 195.5 Mm

The Southwest Monsoon has covered the entire country as of July 9, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Thursday, marking the completion of its seasonal advance one day later than the normal date of July 8. This is the first time since 2011 that the monsoon has achieved nationwide coverage on July 9, reflecting a slower-than-usual progression influenced by prevailing weather conditions. According to the IMD, the monsoon advanced into the remaining parts of the north Arabian Sea, Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab on July 9, completing its spread across India.

The southwest monsoon had reached Kerala on June 4, three days later than its normal onset date of June 1. By comparison, last year the monsoon covered the entire country by June 29, nine days ahead of schedule, contributing to seasonal rainfall that reached 108 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA). This year, however, the IMD has forecast below-normal rainfall of around 90 per cent of the LPA for the June-to-September southwest monsoon season. The weaker outlook has been attributed to the development of a strong El Niño, a climate phenomenon associated with reduced monsoon rainfall over the Indian subcontinent.

El Niño typically leads to warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, which can weaken the moisture-bearing monsoon winds reaching India. Rainfall during June remained significantly below normal, with the country receiving only 99.5 mm of rain against the expected average. The deficit stood at 40 per cent of the LPA, making it the fifth-lowest June rainfall recorded in the country. However, improved rainfall during the first week of July has helped narrow the seasonal deficit considerably. As of July 9, India had received 195.5 mm of cumulative rainfall compared with the normal 230.4 mm for the period, reducing the overall rainfall deficit to 15.2 per cent.

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Meteorologists said the increase in rainfall during July has provided some relief to several regions that had experienced prolonged dry spells earlier in the season. Despite the recent improvement, the delayed and deficient monsoon has affected agricultural activities, particularly the sowing of Kharif crops. Official data show that around 350 lakh hectares have been brought under cultivation so far this season, approximately 92 lakh hectares less than the corresponding area covered during previous years. Lower rainfall in June delayed field preparation and planting in several states, especially for crops such as paddy, pulses, oilseeds and coarse cereals.

Agriculture remains heavily dependent on the southwest monsoon, which contributes nearly 70 per cent of India's annual rainfall and is crucial for irrigation, reservoir replenishment and groundwater recharge. A weak monsoon can affect crop yields, rural incomes, food prices and overall economic growth, making rainfall distribution closely monitored throughout the season. The IMD will continue tracking the monsoon's progress and rainfall patterns over the coming weeks as the peak rainy season unfolds. Weather experts have indicated that while July rainfall has improved conditions in many parts of the country, the overall seasonal performance will depend on the distribution and intensity of rainfall during the remainder of the monsoon period.

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