New Delhi, India

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Tuesday that the southwest monsoon has covered the entire country six days earlier than expected. This early arrival is anticipated to boost the sowing of Kharif crops and potentially alleviate food inflation in the upcoming months.

Advertisment

"The southwest monsoon has further advanced into the remaining parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab today. Thus, it covered the entire country on July 2, 2024, against the normal date of July 8," the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated.

Also read | Delhi airport roof collapse: Over 22,000 passengers impacted due to incident

Rainfall normally begins around June 1 in the southwest coastal state of Kerala and spreads northward to cover the entire nation by July 8. However, its progress faced a slowdown after reaching Maharashtra, delaying rains in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. This delay intensified the effects of a severe heatwave in northwest India.

Advertisment

Also read | Crocodile casually strolls through streets of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra: Watch

In June, India experienced below-normal rainfall, with an 11% deficit affecting several regions except the southern part of the country. IMD data showed that 17 states reported a rainfall deficit while 19 states received normal or above-normal rainfall. The central, north-western, and north-eastern regions faced significant deficits of 14%, 33%, and 13% respectively, whereas the southern region saw a 14% surplus.

Also read | Lonavala waterfall tragedy: All five bodies found, search operation called off

Advertisment

Looking ahead, the IMD on Monday announced above-normal rainfall in July, which could lead to heavy rains and potential floods in the western Himalayan states and river basins in central India.

Also read | Assam floods wreak havoc, toll climbs to 34 with two more deaths

(With inputs from agencies)