Pune, Mumbai to Witness Continued Rainfall as Monsoon Arrives 10 Days Early
Pune, 26th May 2025: The southwest monsoon made an unusually early entry into Maharashtra on Sunday, sweeping across Sindhudurg and adjoining regions nearly ten days ahead of its average onset date of June 5. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, this is the earliest arrival since May 28, 2006 — and only the seventh time since 1960 that the monsoon has reached the state in May.
While the early rains have brought much-needed relief from the scorching summer, agricultural experts warn that the unseasonal onset could disrupt the upcoming kharif sowing cycle, which typically begins after consistent and widespread rainfall in June.
“This early onset may not be beneficial in the long run,” said a senior official from the state agriculture department. “It could throw off the traditional sowing window, especially if the rains are not steady and farmers are misled into premature planting.”
Rainfall Surges in Key Regions
Several parts of Maharashtra, particularly the Konkan coast and Madhya Maharashtra regions — including cities like Nashik, Pune, and Kolhapur — received steady rainfall on Sunday. In Marathwada, a region often prone to drought, the situation is quite the opposite this time. As per official data, the region recorded 132 mm of pre-monsoon rainfall since May 1 — a staggering 1,030% above the monthly average.
Senior IMD scientist Dr. S.D. Sanap from Pune said the atmospheric conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance further inland.
“We expect the monsoon to progress into Pune, Mumbai, and other parts of Maharashtra within the next 48 to 72 hours,” he said. “The last time we saw an earlier onset than this was in 1990, when the monsoon hit the state on May 20.”
Dr. Sanap also highlighted that a low-pressure system currently over the Arabian Sea has been influencing Maharashtra’s weather, and another system is likely to develop over the Bay of Bengal around May 27. “This could further intensify monsoon activity across the western and southern parts of India,” he added.
Impact on Kharif Sowing and Standing Crops
The timing of the rainfall has put farmers in a difficult position. Many had yet to harvest their summer crops such as jowar, bajra, groundnut, and vegetables. The sudden rainfall, coupled with fears of continued wet conditions, has raised concerns about significant crop damage.
“In our region, early rain has already affected standing crops,” said an agriculture officer from western Maharashtra, requesting anonymity. “We estimate that if heavy rain continues over the next few days, 60-70% of the harvest may be lost.”
Another official echoed the concern, saying the kharif sowing cycle could be thrown off balance. “Usually, farmers wait for a steady spell of monsoon rain in early June before beginning major kharif sowing. An erratic early onset can create confusion and lead to poor germination or crop failure.”
What’s Next?
IMD forecasts suggest that the monsoon will extend further into Mumbai, Karnataka (including Bengaluru), Andhra Pradesh, and other parts of Tamil Nadu and the northeast over the next three days.
While the early rain may signal good water availability for reservoirs and groundwater recharge, agricultural experts advise caution. “Farmers should hold off on sowing until a stable pattern of monsoon rain is observed,” advised Dr. Sanap.
