Monsoon likely to reach Delhi on June 24th, the earliest since 2013. Rain and b winds are expected today. Heavy rainfall warnings issued for parts of North India.
Delhi Monsoon: The countdown to the monsoon's arrival in Delhi-NCR has begun. If Delhi receives its first monsoon rain on June 24th, it will be the earliest monsoon arrival since 2013. The Meteorological Department has issued an alert for rain, b winds, and thunderstorms for today, June 23rd. The earliest recorded rainfall in Delhi was on June 16th, 2013.
Monsoon reaches parts of North India
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon has now reached the hilly states of North India. It has become active in most parts of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab. In the next 24 to 48 hours, it is expected to reach Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh.
Rain alert and wind impact
Light to moderate rain is expected in Delhi during the evening and night of June 23rd. Strong winds, with speeds of 30-40 km per hour, are also anticipated. Thunder and lightning are also likely. The Meteorological Department has advised people to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Monsoon arrival dates in previous years
2013: June 16th
2021: July 13th
2022: June 30th
2023: June 25th
2024: June 28th
If the monsoon reaches Delhi on June 24th, 2025, it will be the earliest arrival in the last twelve years.
Heavy rainfall warning across the country
According to the Meteorological Department, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in Northwest India, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Konkan, and Goa until June 26th. Extremely heavy rainfall is expected in Madhya Pradesh on June 23rd and 24th. The northeastern states are expected to experience heavy rain for the next two days, followed by light to moderate rainfall.
Early arrival of the monsoon this year
In 2025, the monsoon reached Kerala on May 24th, the earliest arrival since 2009. In 2009, the monsoon reached Kerala on May 23rd. Due to b weather systems over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, the monsoon gained momentum and covered Mumbai, the northeastern states, and most parts of central India by May 29th.
However, the monsoon's progress slowed down from May 29th to June 16th, resulting in a sharp increase in temperatures in many parts of the country. Then, between June 16th and 18th, the monsoon picked up speed again due to the activation of two low-pressure areas.
Normal monsoon progression
Kerala: June 1st
Mumbai: June 11th
Delhi: June 30th
Across the country: July 8th
Withdrawal: Begins September 17th and completes by October 15th.
Does the early arrival of the monsoon predict rainfall amounts?
Meteorologists believe that the onset date of the monsoon is not directly related to the total amount of rainfall. The monsoon's progress depends on global, regional, and local factors. Therefore, an early or late monsoon does not necessarily indicate excessive or deficient rainfall.
IMD's monsoon forecast
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, there is a likelihood of 106 percent rainfall on average between June and September. The long-term average is considered to be 87 cm. Rainfall between 96 and 104 percent is categorized as 'normal'.
Rainfall predictions for different states
This year, most parts of the country are likely to receive above-normal rainfall. Ladakh, border areas of Himachal Pradesh, parts of the northeastern states, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha may experience normal rainfall. However, Punjab, Haryana, Kerala, and some areas of Tamil Nadu may experience below-normal rainfall.
Important warnings and advice for the public
During rainfall, stay in safe places to avoid lightning, b winds, and storms. Use mobile phones, chargers, and electronic devices with caution. Plan in advance for waterlogging and traffic disruptions on roads. Farmers are also advised to ensure proper drainage in their fields.