Southwest Monsoon Slowdown: Nationwide Rainfall Deficit Widens, Heat and Humidity Continues

The southwest monsoon has stalled, impacting many regions in the country. The country is experiencing a national monsoon crisis with around a 41% shortfall in rains.

As the southwest monsoon has halted over Maharashtra, the India Meteorological Department reported that between June 4 and June 18, 2026, the country only received 42.6 mm of rain compared to a typical 72.2 mm. In Mumbai, the heat is still present, and the humidity is increasing daily. It’s reported that the monsoon will arrive by late June, though.

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According to IMD, “Southwest Monsoon advanced over parts of South Konkan and adjoining areas of South Madhya Maharashtra on June 8. During the previous days, there has been no more progress into the remaining areas of Maharashtra.” There is a prediction for more rain activity in the Konkan belt between June 24 and June 25, 2026, according to the most recent meteorological update.

IMD issues a press release on the delay in the advancement of the Southwest Monsoon over Maharashtra due to the absence of favourable large-scale meteorological conditions IMD says, “Southwest Monsoon advanced over parts of South Konkan and adjoining areas of South Madhya… — ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2026

Monsoon crisis deepens: Rain deficit hits 40% across India. pic.twitter.com/dAKgWSFmIz — Indian Gems (@IndianGems_) June 17, 2026

The sluggish northward movement of the southwest monsoon, along with the recent appearance of El Nino conditions over the equatorial Pacific Ocean, which reduces rainfall in India, might have serious ramifications for kharif crops, which need opportune rainfall to grow, according to the reports.