India’s monsoon season has taken an early and dramatic turn, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirming that Delhi is set to receive its first monsoon rains today, a full week ahead of schedule. The sudden arrival of the rains comes as large parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand experience intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and deadly landslides.
Delhi to Witness Monsoon Showers Ahead of Schedule
The IMD has issued a Yellow Alert for Delhi, forecasting thunderstorms and heavy rainfall starting Tuesday. This early arrival—expected nearly a week before the average date of June 30—is the result of favorable atmospheric conditions across northern India.
Rain-bearing clouds have already drenched areas from western Uttar Pradesh to Odisha and the Northeast, with increasing intensity expected across northwestern India over the next seven days.
Heavy Rain Triggers Landslides, Fatalities in Uttarakhand
The situation is particularly dangerous in Uttarakhand, where landslides triggered by torrential rain have resulted in at least two deaths and multiple injuries. In Uttarkashi district, a major landslide occurred on the Yamunotri Dham trekking route, leaving one person injured and others feared trapped under debris near Bhairav Mandir.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is conducting ongoing rescue operations. Meanwhile, landslides have also blocked key travel routes, including the Badrinath Highway in Chamoli district and the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage path in Jammu, where battery car services had to be suspended due to falling debris.
IMD: Monsoon Progressing Rapidly Across Northern India
The IMD confirmed that the monsoon is advancing steadily through Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, and Punjab, with conditions turning highly favorable for its progression.
This widespread spread has sparked heavy rainfall warnings across several key states. The agency expects severe weather conditions to continue through the week, especially in northern and central India.
Orange Alert for Eastern Rajasthan
In eastern Rajasthan, the Jaipur Meteorological Center has issued an Orange Alert, warning of very heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours. The warning is linked to a cyclonic circulation over western Uttar Pradesh, which is driving intense rainfall across the region.
The district of Jaipur recorded the highest rainfall at 46.4 mm, while other areas have seen totals exceeding 190 mm. More showers are expected to lash the state in the coming days.
Himachal Pradesh Feels the Slow Pace of the Monsoon
In Himachal Pradesh, the monsoon has slowed down after entering the state. Though scattered showers were reported in districts like Mandi, most areas remained hot and humid. The IMD has issued an Orange Alert from June 25 to 27, forecasting heavy rainfall across multiple regions.
On Monday, Shimla experienced brief sunlight followed by evening cloud buildup, while Mandi district received 22 mm of rainfall, signaling the start of localized storms.
Three Killed by Lightning Strikes in Uttar Pradesh
In Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh, three individuals lost their lives due to lightning strikes during heavy rain. The tragic incidents took place in the Pipraich and Chauri Chaura regions. One young man, Rakesh Paswan, was killed while walking on a bridge in Bela village. Two more fatalities were reported from nearby villages, along with six others injured by lightning, all of whom are currently undergoing treatment.
The fatalities underline the increased lightning risk during intense monsoon storms, a growing concern in the region.
Mumbai and Coastal Areas Bracing for High Tides
Meanwhile, Mumbai is experiencing high sea waves due to the active monsoon and strong coastal winds. Authorities have issued advisories for citizens to stay away from the shoreline during high tide hours. Sea conditions remain rough, and rainfall activity is expected to intensify over the week.
Monsoon to Dominate Northwest India All Week
With the southwest monsoon gaining strength, residents across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, and western Uttar Pradesh should prepare for continuous rainfall over the next seven days. The IMD’s early forecast points to above-average rain activity during this period.
Farmers and city planners alike are bracing for waterlogging, traffic disruption, and potential crop impact, especially as low-lying and mountainous regions face the dual challenge of flooding and landslides.
