Monsoon 2025 Update: Southwest Monsoon Reaches 18 Indian States Early

KKN Gurugram Desk | The Southwest Monsoon 2025 has made a remarkably early advance into several parts of India, significantly ahead of its usual onset dates. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon has already reached 18 states, bringing relief from pre-monsoon heatwaves and signaling an early and active start to the rainy season.

The states that have received monsoon showers so far include Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, all seven Northeastern states, and nearly half of Maharashtra. The monsoon has also touched parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and the hilly regions of North Bengal.

Monsoon Arrives in Kerala 12 Days Early

The monsoon typically makes landfall in Kerala on June 1 each year. However, in 2025, it arrived 12 days early, around May 20, marking one of the earliest onsets in recent history. The IMD confirmed favorable conditions and a strong cross-equatorial flow that accelerated the system’s progress into the Indian subcontinent.

Which States Have Received Monsoon Rain So Far?

As of May 29, the following states have been covered by the Southwest Monsoon:

 Southern India:

• Kerala (since May 20)

• Karnataka (full coverage by May 26)

• Tamil Nadu

• Andhra Pradesh (early onset on May 26)

• Telangana (early onset on May 26)

• Goa

 Central India:

• Maharashtra (nearly 50% of the state)

• Chhattisgarh (southern and eastern parts)

 Eastern India:

• Odisha (southern region covered as of May 29)

• West Bengal (northern hilly areas, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong)

 Northeast India:

• Assam

• Arunachal Pradesh

• Meghalaya

• Mizoram

• Manipur

• Tripura

• Nagaland

• Sikkim (completely covered as of May 29)

IMD Forecast: Where Is the Monsoon Headed Next?

According to the latest monsoon bulletin by IMD, favorable conditions are developing for the monsoon to advance further into Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and West Bengal over the next 24 to 48 hours.

The Bay of Bengal is currently witnessing a low-pressure system, which will likely bring intense rainfall along the eastern coastal states such as:

• Odisha

• Andhra Pradesh

• West Bengal

Monsoon 2025 in the Northeast: A Week Ahead of Schedule

The monsoon has also arrived one week earlier than usual in all seven northeastern states. These regions are currently witnessing continuous heavy to very heavy rainfall, particularly in:

• Arunachal Pradesh

• Assam

• Nagaland

• Manipur

• Mizoram

• Tripura

• Meghalaya

Sikkim and northern West Bengal, especially Darjeeling and Kalimpong, have also experienced strong monsoonal showers, confirming the system’s advancement in the eastern Himalayan belt.

Expected Timeline for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

 When Will Monsoon Reach UP and Bihar?

According to IMD models and historical trends, the Southwest Monsoon is expected to reach:

• Eastern Uttar Pradesh: around June 12–14, 2025

• Bihar: between June 13–15, 2025

These dates are subject to change based on the strength of low-pressure systems forming over the Bay of Bengal. A faster-than-normal monsoon progression could even result in arrival dates 5–7 days earlier than projected.

Monsoon Progress Map 2025 (as of May 30)

Monsoon Intensity and Rainfall Outlook

The IMD has predicted above-normal monsoon rainfall for the months of June to September 2025, with intense rainfall likely in the eastern and northeastern states due to a strengthened monsoon trough.

🔹 Rainfall Hotspots in Coming Days:

• Coastal Andhra Pradesh: Thunderstorms and localized flooding

• Odisha (Southern districts): Heavy rainfall alert issued

• Chhattisgarh and East Vidarbha: Moderate to heavy rainfall

How Early Arrival Impacts Agriculture

The early onset of monsoon in southern and eastern India has enabled early sowing of kharif crops, particularly:

• Paddy

• Groundnut

• Tur (Pigeon pea)

In Telangana, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, farmers have already begun preparatory tilling and first-stage sowing.

The government is closely monitoring groundwater levels, reservoir storage, and soil moisture content, which are all improving due to early rains.

Climate Watch: Are Extreme Monsoon Events Becoming More Frequent?

Meteorologists and climatologists have raised questions about climate change playing a role in the erratic and intense patterns of recent monsoons. The following are areas of concern:

• Flash floods in the Northeast

• Urban waterlogging in southern metros

• Frequent low-pressure systems over Bay of Bengal

Experts at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology note that warming oceans are altering traditional monsoon wind patterns, often leading to early onsets or concentrated rainfall events.

Precautions for Public and Administrations

State governments and local authorities in Odisha, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh have been advised to:

• Activate disaster response teams

• Prepare evacuation plans for flood-prone districts

• Ensure functioning drainage in urban areas

• Promote safe storage of harvested crops and fertilizers

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been put on standby alert in multiple eastern coastal districts.

The early and active arrival of the Southwest Monsoon 2025 is a positive sign for farmers, policymakers, and water resource managers. However, as the monsoon pushes further into the plains of North India, the focus must remain on monitoring rain intensity, preparing for floods, and ensuring agricultural planning stays aligned with real-time weather forecasts.

Stay tuned with dimgrey-bison-994082.hostingersite.com for daily updates on the monsoon tracker, regional forecasts, and analysis on how India is managing this year’s rains.