Southwest Monsoon 2026 stalled in Telangana; when will monsoon resume its advance? When will it reach MP and Chhattisgarh? IMD gives details
The Southwest Monsoon 2026 has been stalled over Bhadrachalam, Telangana, for nearly a week, delaying its advance into Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. This lack of movement has caused a return of hot and dry weather conditions across several parts of Central India.
According to Dr. Pankaj Kumar, a member of the World Meteorological Organization's hydrometry team, the monsoon is likely to enter Chhattisgarh within the next three to four days. However, it may take another week to reach Madhya Pradesh.
Meteorologists state that this sluggishness is not due to a lack of moisture over the ocean. Instead, it is caused by unusual shifts in the jet stream—high-altitude, fast-flowing winds. This year, these winds have shifted further south than usual, weakening the monsoon's momentum and slowing its northward progression.
Minimal Activity in the Arabian Sea Branch
The Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon has also remained largely inactive since June 8. Consequently, the monsoon winds that have already entered the country are lacking the necessary atmospheric push to advance into the interior regions.
Weather experts note that the pressure systems required to drive the monsoon from Telangana towards Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh have not strengthened sufficiently, resulting in the current stagnation.
Absence of Monsoon Clouds Over Vast Areas
Satellite imagery from June 15 revealed a significant scarcity of monsoon clouds across most parts of the country. This stood in stark contrast to the situation on June 14, when dense cloud cover prevailed over large swathes of India.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the country received only 19.2 mm of rainfall between June 4 and June 15, which is significantly lower than the normal average of 53.7 mm. This represents a rainfall deficit of approximately 64%.
Temperatures Cross 40°C; Heat Returns
Due to the lack of rainfall, temperatures soared above 40°C on Monday in several cities across Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
The highest temperature in the country was recorded at 43.4°C in Banda, Uttar Pradesh. Other notable temperatures included 42.8°C in Phalodi (Rajasthan), 42.6°C in Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh), 42.5°C in Boudh (Odisha), 42°C in Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh), and 41.5°C in both Wardha (Maharashtra) and Sheikhpura (Bihar).
Weather Forecast
On une 17, rainfall is likely in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Sikkim. Strong winds with speeds of 50 to 70 kmph may blow across parts of Bihar.
Heavy rain is expected in Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, while good rainfall is also likely in parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karnataka.
Thunderstorms accompanied by rain are probable in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and the Vidarbha region, with wind speeds reaching 40 to 60 kmph in some areas.
On June 18, heavy rainfall is likely to continue in Sikkim, North Bengal, Assam, and Meghalaya.
Rain accompanied by strong winds (40–60 kmph) is expected in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Thunderstorms are also anticipated in Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.
Meanwhile, rainfall is likely to continue in parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Monsoon expected to pick up pace again soon
When will monsoon resume its advance?
The IMD believes that the monsoon will resume its advance once the current jet stream pattern weakens. Conditions are expected to become favorable over the next four to five days, enabling the monsoon to progress into Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and surrounding areas.