Heavy rain forecast across eastern, central and coastal states as southwest monsoon advances northward
The India Meteorological Department (India Meteorological Department) has forecast continued widespread rainfall across large parts of India over the coming days, with active monsoon conditions expected in eastern, northeastern, central and western coastal regions. At the same time, northwest India continues to witness only scattered rainfall activity as the southwest monsoon gradually progresses northward.
The weather department said the monsoon is expected to advance further into parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand over the next 3–4 days, supported by favourable atmospheric conditions.
Monsoon Progress Gains Momentum in Central India
Rainfall system expands into multiple inland states
According to IMD observations, the northern limit of the southwest monsoon currently extends across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar before reaching Nepal, indicating a steady northward shift of seasonal rainfall.
Over the next few days, monsoon advancement is expected into:
- Remaining parts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh
- Jharkhand and Bihar
- Parts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand
- Sections of eastern Gujarat
This progression is expected to improve agricultural conditions ahead of the Kharif sowing season, particularly in central and eastern India.
Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall Alert Across Multiple Regions
Eastern, western coastal and northeastern India to see intense weather activity
The IMD has issued rainfall alerts for several regions where heavy to very heavy showers are likely:
- Bihar and Odisha: Continued heavy rainfall over the next few days
- Konkan and Goa: Persistent intense monsoon activity
- Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu: Widespread rain spells
- Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim: Possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in isolated pockets
- Assam and Meghalaya: High rainfall intensity expected
- Northeastern states (Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura): Active monsoon conditions
These regions may also experience thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds during peak rainfall periods.
Central India Faces Thunderstorm Activity
Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh under active monsoon influence
Central India, particularly Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh, is expected to witness heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.
Such weather systems are typical during active monsoon phases and may temporarily impact:
- Road and rail connectivity
- Rural transport movement
- Power and communication infrastructure in isolated areas
Authorities are expected to remain on alert in vulnerable districts due to lightning and wind-related disruptions.
Northwest India Still Awaiting Strong Monsoon Spread
Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan see limited rainfall
Despite the overall strengthening of the monsoon system, northwest India continues to remain on the edge of active rainfall zones.
The IMD has forecast:
- Isolated to scattered showers over Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan
- Gradual increase in rainfall later in the forecast period
- Rising temperatures before monsoon strengthening
Maximum temperatures may initially increase slightly before falling by 3–5°C as rainfall activity expands in the region.
Delhi Weather Outlook
Hot and humid conditions likely before gradual cooling trend
Delhi is expected to remain partly cloudy with chances of light rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds during afternoon and evening hours over the coming days.
Key expectations for the capital:
- Maximum temperature: 39–41°C over the weekend
- Gradual decline to 35–37°C early next week
- Intermittent thunderstorms with lightning activity
- Increasing humidity levels before rainfall stabilisation
The cooling trend is expected to strengthen as monsoon influence increases over northern India.
Investment & Economic Perspective
Monsoon progress remains crucial for rural demand and inflation trends
From a macroeconomic standpoint, the monsoon’s progression plays a key role in shaping:
- Kharif crop output and rural income
- Food inflation trajectory
- FMCG and agri-input demand cycles
- Power demand and hydro reservoir levels
A well-distributed monsoon typically supports rural consumption recovery and stabilises inflation expectations, while regional disparities in rainfall can create short-term volatility in agricultural output.
Outlook
Gradual northward expansion expected to define next phase of monsoon
With the southwest monsoon steadily advancing, rainfall activity is expected to expand further into northern and northwestern India over the coming week.
The IMD indicates that the coming days will be crucial in determining the pace of full-scale monsoon coverage across the country, with significant implications for agriculture, rural demand and overall economic momentum.