Monsoon Progress Stalls Over Maharashtra; Mumbai, Pune Await Arrival as Dry Conditions Persist

Pune, 12th June 2026: The southwest monsoon, which began its seasonal advance across India after reaching Kerala on May 24, has slowed significantly over Maharashtra and Gujarat, delaying its much-awaited onset in several parts of western India. While northeastern and eastern states continue to receive widespread rainfall, residents of Mumbai, Pune and other regions of Maharashtra are still awaiting relief from the summer heat.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon advanced steadily over northeastern India, covering the remaining states in the region, including Sikkim and sub-Himalayan West Bengal, by June 9. By June 11, it had progressed further into parts of West Bengal, Bihar and southern India.

However, the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon, which brings rainfall to Maharashtra and Gujarat, has witnessed a temporary pause. As a result, major cities such as Mumbai and Pune have seen little progress in monsoon activity over the past few days.

Mumbai normally records the onset of the southwest monsoon around June 11. This year, meteorologists indicate that its arrival is likely to be delayed. Current weather patterns suggest that the monsoon may advance across Maharashtra during the latter half of June.

Gujarat is also expected to witness a similar delay, with forecasts indicating the monsoon could reach the state around June 23.

Dry Air and Weak Weather Systems Behind Delay
Weather experts attribute the slowdown to the dominance of dry air currents and subsiding atmospheric conditions over western India. These factors have weakened moisture-laden monsoon winds, resulting in hot and largely dry weather across the region.

The IMD has noted that temporary pauses in monsoon advancement are not uncommon. Compared to the Bay of Bengal branch, the Arabian Sea branch is generally more sensitive to fluctuations in wind patterns and moisture availability.

Another major factor behind the delayed progress is the absence of low-pressure systems, depressions and cyclonic circulations over the region. Such weather systems typically help draw moisture inland and strengthen monsoon currents. Their absence has significantly slowed the monsoon’s advance over western India.

As a result, pre-monsoon showers are expected to remain limited until around June 20. While isolated light rainfall cannot be ruled out, residents of Mumbai, Pune and parts of Gujarat are likely to continue experiencing warm and predominantly dry conditions for the next several days.

Contrasting Weather Across India
While western India continues to wait for sustained rainfall, northeastern and eastern states have welcomed the monsoon with widespread showers and cooler temperatures. The contrasting weather pattern highlights the uneven and phased progression of the southwest monsoon this season.

The IMD has stated that conditions are gradually becoming favourable for further advancement of the monsoon over central and eastern India in the coming days. However, the delay along the western coast remains a concern, particularly for farmers and residents awaiting the onset of the rainy season.

For now, Maharashtra’s monsoon watch continues, with citizens hoping for an early breakthrough in the days ahead.