Monsoon revives in Mumbai, but India records one of its driest Junes in over 100 years
Heavy showers returned to Mumbai as the monsoon revived, but a 46% rainfall deficit has left large parts of India facing one of the weakest June monsoons on record
After nearly two weeks of a weak spell, the southwest monsoon has shown signs of revival, with moisture-laden winds advancing towards parts of Gujarat and bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning to Mumbai, causing waterlogging and traffic disruptions.
Several parts of Mumbai received moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder on Monday morning, with some areas recording intense showers in just one hour, civic officials said.
Monsoon relief for Mumbai
Showers, accompanied by thunder, lashed several parts of the city, leading to reduced visibility and affecting traffic movement at some locations. It also brought much-needed relief from the heat and humidity. Overcast skies and a cool breeze made the morning pleasant across the metropolis.
Also read | IMD forecasts fresh rain activity as southwest monsoon shows signs of revival
The southwest monsoon generally reaches Mumbai around June 10, but its onset has been delayed this year. While the monsoon advanced into south Konkan earlier this month, its further progress was stalled due to unfavourable weather conditions.
The heavy showers affected traffic movement across several parts of the city during peak hours. The Western Express Highway witnessed heavy congestion after rain-related slowdowns, with waterlogging reported in several areas.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert until Tuesday, with heavier rainfall expected around Thursday and Friday as the monsoon strengthens further.
Heavier and more widespread rainfall is expected to build through the coming week, with significant intensification likely around June 25 and 26 as the monsoon system strengthens further.
The IMD expects the southwest monsoon to advance into more parts of Maharashtra around June 23.
Nation awaits monsoon revival
But even as rains make a comeback, the impact of one of the weakest June monsoons in recent memory has already been felt. Experts say June 2026 is on course to become the driest June in more than a century.
According to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the country received only 53.1 mm of rainfall between June 4 and June 22, against the normal 97.6 mm. This has left India with an overall rainfall deficit of 46 per cent. Vast stretches of central, northern and peninsular India continue to fall under the deficient and large-deficient categories.
State-wise figures present an equally concerning picture. Madhya Pradesh, which lies at the centre of India’s monsoon belt, is facing a 58 per cent rainfall deficit, while Maharashtra has recorded a steep shortfall of 85 per cent.
Gujarat is 84 per cent below normal, making it one of the worst-affected states. Chhattisgarh has reported a 71 per cent deficit, while rainfall in Jharkhand is down by 71 per cent and Meghalaya by 81 per cent.
Satellite images released by the IMD on June 22 help explain the prolonged dry spell. For several days, cloud formation remained largely confined to the Bay of Bengal, eastern India and the Himalayan region, leaving much of central and western India with little cloud cover.
The lack of organised monsoon systems and weak moisture flow prevented the rain-bearing winds from penetrating deeper into the interior.
Meteorologists now say the pattern is beginning to shift.
Signs of revival emerge
Deep-layer moisture associated with the monsoon has started reaching Mumbai and neighbouring areas. Moist winds are also extending into south Gujarat, including the Surat region. Weather charts show stronger moisture transport at mid-levels of the atmosphere, an important indication that the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon is regaining momentum.
Also read | Praying for rain in your city? Monsoon has stalled and it may move only next week
As a result, rainfall activity is likely to pick up gradually over the next 24 to 48 hours across parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat and central India.
Yet the improvement comes after a lengthy pause. Weather experts say June 2026 is emerging as one of the driest June periods in more than 100 years of recorded data, with rainfall deficits nearing levels usually associated with major drought years.
The weak monsoon has already disrupted sowing operations, intensified heat stress and heightened concerns over water availability in several states. Farmers in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh have been waiting for consistent rainfall to begin large-scale kharif sowing.
The next few days will be critical. Although the monsoon has started moving again, it now has the difficult challenge of compensating for the huge rainfall deficit that built up during the most crucial phase of the season.