Monsoon set to reach Kerala around June 4; IMD forecasts thunderstorms across several states

The southwest monsoon is expected to make its onset over Kerala around June 4, marking the start of India’s rainy season, while large parts of the country are likely to experience thunderstorms, gusty winds and heavy rainfall over the coming days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

At the same time, Delhi’s recent spell of relatively pleasant weather is expected to fade, with temperatures forecast to rise gradually even as intermittent rain and thunderstorm activity continues across northwestern India.

Delhi, northwest India

The IMD has forecast scattered rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and winds of 40–50 kmph across Delhi and adjoining northwestern states through June 6. Thundersqualls with wind speeds of 50–60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph, are likely over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi on June 3 and 4.

Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Himalayan states

Thunderstorms and gusty winds are also expected across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Isolated hailstorms may occur in parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan, while dust storm activity is likely at isolated locations in western Rajasthan.

Mumbai, Maharashtra and Gujarat

Weather activity is set to intensify across western India, with isolated to scattered rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds forecast over Konkan and Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada and Gujarat through June 6. Parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra could witness thundersqualls with wind speeds reaching 70 kmph.

Mumbai and Pune have been placed under a yellow alert for thunderstorms, lightning and squally weather, while districts including Amravati, Kolhapur, Satara, Aurangabad and Jalna are under an orange alert.

Kerala, Tamil Nadu and southern India

Southern India is expected to remain among the wettest regions this week. Kerala is likely to receive isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall through June 8, with parts of the state under an orange alert on June 4, the expected date of monsoon onset.

Heavy showers are also forecast across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Lakshadweep. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds are likely in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, while thundersqualls may affect parts of Telangana and coastal Andhra Pradesh through June 4.

Northeast India

The IMD has forecast widespread light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning across northeastern states over the next five days. Heavy rainfall is likely in Arunachal Pradesh through June 8, while Assam and Meghalaya may witness intense rain between June 5 and 8.

East and central India

States including Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha are expected to experience thunderstorms and gusty winds during the week. Odisha and Madhya Pradesh could see severe thundersqualls, while isolated hailstorms are also possible in parts of Madhya Pradesh.