By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 13 Jun: After some days of intense heat and rising temperatures across Uttarakhand, the residents can expect respite from heat as the southwest monsoon is expected to reach the State around 22 June if weather conditions remain favourable. According to the Meteorological Centre, the advancing monsoon system is progressing steadily and can make its onset over Uttarakhand close to its normal schedule, bringing much-needed relief from the prevailing hot and dry conditions.
The meteorologists have indicated that moisture-laden monsoon winds originating from the Bay of Bengal are advancing gradually towards northern India. If the present weather pattern continues, the monsoon is likely to arrive in Uttarakhand around June 22, ushering in a phase of widespread rainfall and a noticeable drop in temperatures. Prior to the formal onset of the monsoon, several parts of the State are also expected to witness pre-monsoon activity in the form of scattered showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that the southwest monsoon, which set in over Kerala on June 4, has been advancing across several parts of the country. During the past week, the monsoon has progressed into additional areas of southern and eastern India, including parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal, while further advancement is expected over more regions in the coming days.
Weather experts say that although the monsoon has continued its advance, its progress over parts of central and northern India has been somewhat slower than usual due to prevailing atmospheric conditions and western disturbances affecting northern regions. As a result, some areas may continue to experience heatwave-like conditions and below-normal rainfall over the next couple of weeks before the monsoon becomes fully active.
In Uttarakhand, the arrival of the monsoon is eagerly awaited after a prolonged spell of strong sunshine and hot winds that have affected normal life in both urban and rural areas. The plains, including Dehradun, Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, have experienced uncomfortable daytime temperatures in recent weeks, though in between rains have occurred particularly in Dehradun, keeping the temperature much under control. At the same time, the hill districts have also witnessed warmer-than-usual conditions. The expected arrival of the monsoon is likely to provide significant relief to residents, farmers and horticulturists alike.
According to the latest forecast, isolated rainfall activity is likely in several hill districts, including Uttarkashi and Chamoli, during the coming days. Recent showers in some areas have already brought a slight decline in temperatures. Higher reaches above 4,200 metres have also witnessed fresh snowfall, reflecting changing weather conditions ahead of the monsoon season.
Experts believe that once the monsoon establishes itself over Uttarakhand, both the hill and plain regions are likely to receive widespread rainfall. While the rainfall will be beneficial for agriculture, groundwater recharge and drinking water sources, the initial phase of the season may also be accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds and intense showers at isolated locations. Authorities have advised people, particularly those residing in vulnerable hilly areas, to remain alert and keep track of official weather advisories.
The southwest monsoon remains a lifeline for India’s agriculture-dependent economy, contributing nearly three-fourths of the country’s annual rainfall. While the IMD has projected the 2026 southwest monsoon season to be slightly below normal at the national level, timely and well-distributed rainfall remains crucial for agriculture, water resources and power generation across the country.
