The southwest monsoon is gaining momentum across India, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that weather conditions remain favorable for its further advancement. According to the latest forecast, the monsoon is expected to extend into additional parts of central and eastern India over the coming days, bringing widespread rainfall and offering relief from intense summer temperatures in many regions.

The update comes as meteorologists closely track the progress of the country's most important weather system, which plays a crucial role in agriculture, water availability, and overall economic activity.

Monsoon Expected to Expand Further by June 23

IMD has projected that the monsoon could advance into larger parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar by June 23.

This year's southwest monsoon arrived over Kerala on June 4, slightly later than its normal onset date of June 1. Despite the delayed arrival, the system has progressed steadily across several states and has already covered:

• Kerala

• Tamil Nadu

• Most parts of Karnataka

• Large areas of Andhra Pradesh

• West Bengal

• Several regions of Maharashtra

• Parts of Telangana

• Odisha

• Jharkhand

• Bihar

• Entire Northeast India

Meteorologists believe the current atmospheric conditions support further advancement in the coming days.

States Likely to Receive Rainfall

As the monsoon continues moving inland and a western disturbance influences northwestern India, several regions are expected to witness rainfall activity over the next few days.

According to IMD forecasts, rain is likely across:

• Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh

• Western Rajasthan

• West Bengal

• Sikkim

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands

• Northeastern states

• Konkan and Goa

• Gujarat

• Karnataka

• Kerala

• Coastal Andhra Pradesh

• Tamil Nadu

Some locations may experience moderate to heavy rainfall, while isolated pockets could witness intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.

Why Monsoon Progress Is Closely Monitored

The advancement of the southwest monsoon is one of the most closely watched weather developments in India because it contributes nearly 70% of the country's annual rainfall.

A healthy monsoon is critical for:

• Kharif crop sowing

• Agricultural production

• Rural income growth

• Water reservoir replenishment

• Food security

• Economic expansion

Good rainfall generally boosts rural demand, supports consumption, and strengthens sectors linked to agriculture and allied activities.

Because of its economic significance, monsoon forecasts are monitored not only by farmers but also by policymakers, businesses, and financial markets.

El Niño Remains a Concern

Despite the monsoon's progress, weather experts continue to watch the influence of the El Niño climate phenomenon.

El Niño occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become warmer than normal. This warming can alter global weather patterns and often affects India's monsoon performance.

Meteorological assessments indicate that El Niño conditions remain present during 2026, raising concerns about the possibility of below-normal seasonal rainfall.

IMD has projected seasonal rainfall at around 90% of the Long Period Average (LPA), which falls below the normal benchmark and has prompted discussions about potential impacts on agriculture and water resources.

Rain Forecast for Northern and Eastern India

The weather department has also outlined region-specific rainfall expectations for the coming week.

Bihar and Jharkhand

Scattered rainfall activity is expected between June 19 and June 25, which may provide relief from prevailing heat conditions in several districts.

Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh

Parts of:

• Delhi

• Haryana

• Chandigarh

• Punjab

• Uttar Pradesh

may experience light to moderate rainfall between June 19 and June 22.

Western Uttar Pradesh could also receive rainfall around June 25, according to current forecasts.

Recent Weather Developments

During the past 24 hours, heatwave-like conditions were reported from isolated parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Vidarbha. However, IMD's latest forecast does not indicate any major heatwave warning for these regions.

The department also reported heavy rainfall activity in parts of Gujarat and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal.

Meanwhile, several locations in Tamil Nadu and Odisha experienced thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds reaching speeds of 60 to 80 kilometers per hour.

Rainfall Deficit Still a Concern

Preliminary rainfall data from June 1 to June 18 suggests uneven monsoon distribution across the country.

Out of India's 741 districts:

• 258 districts recorded deficient rainfall.

• 223 districts reported large rainfall deficits.

These figures highlight the uneven spread of precipitation despite the advancing monsoon system.

Outlook for the Coming Days

Meteorologists expect rainfall activity to intensify across several parts of India as the southwest monsoon advances further into central and eastern regions.

While concerns regarding El Niño and rainfall deficits remain, the current pace of monsoon progression offers encouraging signs for agriculture and water availability. Farmers, state authorities, and weather agencies will continue monitoring developments closely as the crucial monsoon season unfolds across the country.