The monsoon came early this year, reaching Kerala on May 24, a week ahead of its normal onset date of June 1. Not since the monsoon of 2009 has its arrival been this early. Moreover, the monsoon also advanced to Mumbai early, breaking a 35-year old record by reaching the city on May 26, two weeks ahead of the norm. The seasonal rains also advanced faster than usual to many parts of Karnataka, Goa, and central Maharashtra.

At a press conference on Tuesday (May 27, 2025), IMD officials said that a confluence of factors had played a role in “advancing the monsoon”, including a pre-cyclonic circulation and optimal temperatures in the Tibetan plateau, along with a couple of other global factors.

Slowdown likely

While more rain is expected for the next four days in parts of Odisha and central India, the monsoon “wouldn’t continue to speed” indefinitely, according to officials. “We cannot say that the monsoon will continue to speed towards Delhi and northern India. There will be a slowdown,” said IMD Director General M. Mohapatra. The normal date for the monsoon’s arrival in Delhi is the last week of June. Even if the rains do not arrive early, however, the overall strong monsoon means that heatwaves are unlikely to ravage the capital region in June, Mr. Mohapatra added.