New Delhi/Mumbai, May 27 – The 2025 southwest monsoon has arrived ahead of schedule with rare intensity, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue ‘hazard warnings’ for Delhi and Mumbai. For the first time in 75 years, the monsoon has reached Mumbai 12 days earlier than usual, bringing torrential rainfall, waterlogging, and widespread disruption.
Mumbai Submerged as Monsoon Arrives in Full Force
Mumbai witnessed intense rainfall throughout Monday, flooding roads and railway tracks, and making movement across the city extremely difficult. Local trains were halted at stations like Kurla, Dadar, and Parel, and many services are now running at restricted speeds.
Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed that despite the heavy downpour, there have been no casualties. He added that the BMC, Army, and Navy are working in close coordination and that the city is on high alert. The IMD’s Red Alert for Maharashtra indicates the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds in the next 24 hours, particularly in Mumbai, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala.
IMD Issues ‘Hazard Warning’ for Delhi
The IMD has also issued a ‘hazard warning’ for Delhi, citing the possibility of 40–50 km/h winds, thunderstorms, and moderate to heavy rainfall. A Yellow Alert has been issued for the national capital, where cloudy skies and scattered showers are expected on Tuesday. More sustained rainfall is anticipated toward the end of the month.
Meteorological scientist Sushma Nair explained that atmospheric conditions are highly favourable for the monsoon’s rapid advancement across western and northern India. Delhi, Chandigarh, and parts of Haryana are likely to receive monsoonal rainfall earlier than usual, possibly within the first week of June.
Gujarat, Karnataka, and Kerala Brace for More Rain
Gujarat is expected to experience rain activity until May 30, with localized thunderstorms and gusty winds. Karnataka and Kerala, which were among the first states hit by the early monsoon, remain under red alert, with continuing downpours expected to cause localised flooding and disruption.
In contrast, Rajasthan is still grappling with intense heat. Barmer recorded 45.2°C on Monday, and the heatwave is expected to persist until at least May 28, after which temperatures are likely to drop slightly due to incoming moisture-laden winds.
Monsoon’s Early Surge Breaks Records
The early and aggressive arrival of the monsoon has taken forecasters and administrations by surprise. In Mumbai, this is the earliest monsoon onset since 1949, breaking the previous records for arrival dates and rainfall intensity.
The IMD is urging residents in high-alert zones to stay indoors, avoid waterlogged areas, and follow official advisories. States have been asked to prepare emergency response teams and coordinate closely with disaster management agencies.
What to Expect Ahead
With monsoon winds strengthening and spreading rapidly, more states in northern and central India can expect early onset. The next few days are critical, as heavy rainfall and strong winds can cause infrastructural damage, especially in low-lying areas.
Residents are advised to monitor weather updates closely and remain prepared for possible disruptions due to the weather system’s unusually fast progress.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
