New Delhi: Amid severe heatwave conditions across large parts of North India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has brought major relief by forecasting an early arrival of the southwest monsoon in the country this year.
According to IMD estimates, the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Kerala around May 26, 2026, nearly a week ahead of its normal arrival date of June 1. If the prediction comes true, this would mark the third consecutive year of early monsoon onset over Kerala.
Monsoon Activity Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal
Meteorological officials said monsoon activity has already intensified over:
- South Bay of Bengal
- Andaman Sea
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The IMD stated that a low-pressure system developing over the Bay of Bengal is strengthening continuously, helping the monsoon advance rapidly towards the Indian mainland.
The southwest monsoon has already started showing its impact over:
- Southeastern Arabian Sea
- Southwestern Bay of Bengal
- Southeastern Bay regions
Weather experts believe favourable atmospheric conditions are supporting faster monsoon movement this year.
Relief Expected From Scorching Heat
The early arrival of the monsoon is expected to bring major relief from the ongoing extreme heatwave conditions affecting several parts of India.
Currently:
- Delhi-NCR temperatures are hovering around 44-45°C
- Sri Ganganagar and Prayagraj have crossed 46°C
- Heatwave conditions continue across North-West and Central India
The IMD has warned that severe heatwave conditions may continue till at least May 23 across:
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Rajasthan
- Uttar Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Delhi-NCR
Temperature Likely to Rise Further Before Relief
Meteorologists said temperatures in North-West India could rise by another 3 to 5 degrees over the next few days before stabilising later this week.
Meanwhile:
- Eastern India may witness a 2-3 degree rise till May 19
- Maharashtra and Gujarat could see slight temperature drops after May 23
Strong hot winds, dry weather and dangerous daytime conditions are expected to persist across several states.
Monsoon Timeline Across India
According to weather forecasts:
- Kerala may receive monsoon around May 26
- Maharashtra coastal regions may see monsoon rains between June 10-15
- Bihar could receive monsoon around June 15
- Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand may see monsoon between June 20-25
- Rajasthan and Himalayan regions may receive monsoon between June 25 and July 5
Pre-Monsoon Showers Begin in South India
Several southern states have already started witnessing:
- Thunderstorms
- Lightning activity
- Gusty winds
- Pre-monsoon rainfall
Experts say these weather patterns are early signs of the advancing monsoon system.
Kashmir Emerges as Summer Escape
As temperatures soar in the plains, large numbers of tourists are now heading towards the cooler regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
Tourist hotspots including:
- Gurez Valley
- Srinagar
- Dal Lake
are witnessing heavy tourist inflow. Visitors are enjoying snow-covered mountains, cool weather, shikara rides and scenic landscapes while escaping the heatwave conditions in North India.
Zoos Take Measures to Protect Animals From Heat
The extreme heat has also started affecting wildlife and zoo animals across the country.
Authorities in several zoos have introduced:
- Coolers inside enclosures
- Green nets around cages
- Continuous water spraying systems
to protect tigers, leopards and other animals from rising temperatures and heat stress.
Health Advisory During Heatwave
Experts have advised people to:
- Drink 3-4 litres of water daily
- Avoid direct sunlight during afternoon hours
- Wear loose cotton or linen clothes
- Avoid dark-coloured clothing
- Consume lemon water, buttermilk and coconut water
- Avoid excessive soft drinks, junk food and caffeinated beverages
Doctors warned that sugary cold drinks may provide temporary relief but can increase dehydration and health complications in the long run.
With the monsoon expected to advance early this year, millions across India are now hoping for quicker relief from one of the harshest summer spells of the season.
