Monsoon Stalls After Early Start, Likely to Resume by June 11
India’s southwest monsoon, which arrived earlier than usual on May 24 this year, has temporarily stalled. After rapidly advancing over southern, northeastern, and parts of western India, monsoon progress slowed significantly from May 29 onward. The delay has led to subdued rainfall in several key regions, affecting early agricultural activity.
Meteorologists attribute the stall to weakened atmospheric conditions, but forecasts now suggest a renewed weather system in the Bay of Bengal may reignite rainfall momentum around June 11.
Impact on Agriculture and Farmer Sentiment
The monsoon is vital for Indian agriculture, which depends on it for nearly 70% of its annual rainfall. Nearly half of India’s farmlands are rainfed, making timely and adequate rainfall critical. Although the early onset sparked optimism, the current break has led many farmers to postpone sowing of key crops such as soybean, cotton, rice, corn, and sugarcane due to insufficient soil moisture.
Agricultural experts advise farmers to wait for consistent rain before proceeding with full-scale planting, particularly in central and eastern regions that are currently dry.
Regional Weather Updates
In Andhra Pradesh, the monsoon’s progress has also been on hold, leading to hot and humid conditions. However, forecasts suggest increased rainfall activity from June 12 onward, once the new system over the Bay of Bengal develops further.
In Maharashtra, especially around Pune and north Maharashtra districts like Dhule, Jalgaon, and Nashik, light to moderate rainfall is expected throughout the week. A yellow alert has been issued for potential localized heavy showers along the Konkan and Goa coastlines.
Chennai continues to experience high temperatures and sticky humidity, with forecasts predicting partly sunny skies and potential afternoon thunderstorms in the days ahead.
Outlook for the Coming Weeks
Experts believe that while the early start was promising, the monsoon is now unlikely to advance northward for another 7–10 days. Meteorological agencies are closely monitoring atmospheric patterns and the evolving low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, which will be crucial in determining the next phase of monsoon movement.
If the revival unfolds as predicted, central and northern India may begin receiving showers by mid-June, restoring the monsoon’s pace and easing agricultural anxieties across the country.
