Monsoon stalls in India; Pune introduces odd-even water supply system
What's the story
India's southwest monsoon, which entered through Kerala on June 4, has slowed down considerably this year. After covering parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh, its progress has stalled. This delay has left several regions, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, waiting for much-needed rainfall. The situation is particularly dire in Pune, where an odd-even water supply system has been introduced due to water shortages.
Weather phenomenon
Weak Somali Jet causing delay
Meteorologists have attributed the delay to several factors, one of which is the weakening of the Somali Jet. This low-level wind system forms over the Indian Ocean near Africa's eastern coast and plays a crucial role in carrying moisture-laden air toward India. A strong Somali Jet generally supports good monsoon rainfall across India, but its current weakness has reduced moisture flow this year.
Weather conditions
Low-pressure systems in Bay of Bengal also lacking
The Bay of Bengal has also not witnessed enough low-pressure systems, which usually help push the monsoon deeper into India's interior regions. Cyclone remnants over the Pacific Ocean also failed to strengthen low-pressure conditions over the Bay of Bengal in June 2026, further delaying progress. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, rainfall across India was around 40% below normal between June 1 and June 18 this year.
Regional impact
Atmospheric subsidence preventing convection, expert says
Mumbai, which usually sees monsoon rains by June 11, is yet to receive seasonal rainfall this year. Dr. Naresh Kumar, Senior Scientist at the IMD, said weather conditions aren't favorable for further monsoon advancement in Maharashtra and eastern India. Professor Raghu Murtugudde, Emeritus Professor at the University of Maryland and Visiting Professor at IIT Kanpur, explained that while winds are bringing moisture as expected, atmospheric subsidence is preventing convection due to distorted patterns in the Bay of Bengal.
Weather outlook
IMD expects further progress over next 5 days
The IMD currently marks the northern limit of the southwest monsoon through parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Nepal. It expects further progress into parts of Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh over the next four to five days if conditions improve. Until then, large parts of north and west India may continue to experience hot and dry weather as they await a stronger monsoon.