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Maharashtra Receives Near-Normal Rainfall This Monsoon, Yet Uneven Spread Slows Sowing

Maharashtra has received 334.5 mm of rainfall between June 1 and July 13. This amount equals 96.28 percent of the normal average of 346.4 mm.

A presentation delivered to the state cabinet on Tuesday highlighted the overall picture. The monsoon has delivered near-normal rainfall so far. However, the distribution across districts remains quite uneven.

Progress in Kharif Sowing

Farmers have completed Kharif sowing on 96.21 lakh hectares. This covers 67 percent of the state’s normal sowing area of 144.36 lakh hectares.

By comparison, sowing reached 120.65 lakh hectares during the same period last year. That represented 84 percent of the normal area.

Paddy transplantation continues in several regions. Meanwhile, sowing operations are picking up speed. Crops sown so far stand mostly in the germination to early vegetative stage.

Uneven Rainfall Across Districts

Nine districts recorded more than 100 percent of their normal rainfall. These include Thane, Raigad, Palghar, Ratnagiri, Ahilyanagar, Pune, Satara, Sangli, and Jalna.

Nandurbar received the lowest rainfall at just 29 percent of normal. Twelve districts saw between 50 and 75 percent of normal rain. Another twelve districts received 75 to 100 percent of their usual rainfall.

Crop-Wise Sowing Status

Sowing progress varies by crop. Maize covers 8.91 lakh hectares, which is 95 percent of its normal area. Soybean follows at 37.37 lakh hectares, or 79 percent. Cotton sowing reached 32.79 lakh hectares, standing at 77 percent of normal.

Pulse sowing covers 11.46 lakh hectares, or 56 percent of the normal area. Oilseed sowing stands at 38.20 lakh hectares, or 78 percent. Total foodgrain sowing has reached 25.21 lakh hectares, which is 48 percent of normal. Paddy sowing remains lower at 2.87 lakh hectares, or just 19 percent of its normal area.

Overall, Maharashtra’s monsoon has brought encouraging rainfall levels. Yet the uneven pattern continues to influence sowing progress across the state. Farmers now focus on catching up in drier regions while protecting early crops in wetter areas.

This balanced yet patchy monsoon sets an important stage for the Kharif season ahead.

The southwest monsoon has entered a weak phase across India. After weeks of uneven rainfall, El Nino now exerts stronger influence. Meteorologists warn that the country faces another dry spell in the coming days.

The monsoon currently lacks key atmospheric support. As a result, rainfall will stay subdued over large parts of central, western, and northwestern India for the next three to four days. Experts point to the growing impact of El Nino, which disrupts rain-bearing systems over the region.

Three vital weather drivers have temporarily vanished. These include the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), the Boreal Summer Intraseasonal Oscillation (BSISO), and Low Pressure Systems (LPS) over the Bay of Bengal. Normally, these features power the monsoon by generating clouds, organizing thunderstorms, and pushing moisture deep inland.

Without them, widespread rain becomes difficult to sustain. Only isolated areas, especially in Northeast India and along the Himalayan foothills, may see heavy showers. Meanwhile, much of the country remains dry.

El Nino adds further pressure to the situation. This periodic warming of the Pacific Ocean alters global weather patterns. In India, it often reduces moisture transport and weakens cloud formation across the subcontinent.

However, hope remains for the second half of July. Forecast models show encouraging signs. The Madden-Julian Oscillation, Rossby waves, and fresh Low Pressure Systems could become active over the Bay of Bengal during the last seven to ten days of the month.

If these systems strengthen as expected, they will bring renewed energy to the monsoon. New rain-bearing disturbances could then move across eastern, central, and northern India. Meteorologists believe this activity might partially counter El Nino’s drying effect and help restore normal rainfall before the month ends.

For now, the monsoon engine runs low on fuel. India must prepare for below-normal rainfall in many regions. Yet another pulse of moisture could revive the season later in July.

Uttar Pradesh Monsoon Deficit Widens Again

Rainfall activity has declined across Uttar Pradesh since Saturday. As a result, the state’s monsoon deficit has started widening once more. For the first time since the monsoon arrived on June 30, the deficit rose by one percentage point to 17% on Sunday, according to the India Meteorological Department.

Experts expect the monsoon current to weaken further in the coming days. This change may increase the rainfall shortfall and push temperatures higher.

In the 24-hour period between Saturday and Sunday morning, 40 out of 75 districts received no rain. The state recorded an average of 7.5 mm of rainfall. East UP received 11.7 mm, while West UP got only 1.4 mm.

Bansgaon in Gorakhpur saw the highest rainfall at 168 mm. Other areas with heavy rain included Mahsi in Bahraich (129 mm), Tanda in Ambedkar Nagar (125 mm), and several districts in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Since June 1, Uttar Pradesh has received 158.8 mm of rain against a normal of 190.9 mm. West UP enjoys a 16% surplus, but East UP still faces a significant 35% deficit.

Six districts in West UP fall under the ‘large excess’ category. Another eight districts recorded ‘excess’ rainfall. Twenty-three districts received normal rainfall. However, many other districts continue to experience shortages.

Atul Kumar Singh, a senior scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre in Lucknow, explained the situation. A depression over the Bay of Bengal weakened after reaching Uttar Pradesh. Light to moderate rain with isolated heavy spells will likely continue in eastern parts of the state for the next three to four days.

In Lucknow, the maximum temperature reached 35.5°C and the minimum was 27.8°C. The city has recorded a 42% rainfall deficit so far this season. Forecasters predict a partly cloudy sky turning mainly clear, with temperatures around 36°C maximum and 26°C minimum.

The India Meteorological Department forecasts rain or thundershowers at a few places in East UP and isolated places in West UP. Heavy rain is possible in some northeastern areas.

Although rainfall decreased recently, the monsoon brought vigorous activity earlier this week. Widespread showers provided relief and helped narrow the overall deficit. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

Himalayas Warm at Alarming Rate, Threatening Water Security

The Himalayas continue to heat up rapidly. Parts of Jammu and Kashmir have warmed by nearly 1°C over just two decades. High-altitude areas show the fastest temperature increases, according to a new study.

Scientists warn that this trend will speed up glacier melting. It could also disrupt river flows and create serious water shortages for millions of people who rely on Himalayan rivers.

Researchers from the Centre for Ocean, River, Atmosphere and Land Sciences at IIT Kharagpur published their findings in the journal Scientific Reports. They examined weather station data and atmospheric records from 1980 to 2024.

Higher Elevations Heat Up Faster

Mountain towns such as Bhaderwah, Pahalgam, and Gulmarg warm much faster than lower areas like Jammu. This pattern follows a process called elevation-dependent warming. Higher regions heat up more quickly than the surrounding plains.

At some mid-altitude stations, average temperatures rose by as much as 0.3°C per decade. Nighttime temperatures before the monsoon increased even more sharply, up to 0.6°C per decade.

Warmer nights worry experts because they limit natural cooling. This change makes it harder to preserve snow and ice.

Additionally, shrinking snow cover reduces the reflection of sunlight. As a result, the ground absorbs more heat through a process known as snow-albedo feedback.

Rising atmospheric moisture also traps extra heat near the surface. This effect further accelerates warming in the region.

Serious Risks for Asia’s Water Tower

The Himalayas serve as the “Water Tower of Asia.” They feed major river systems that support hundreds of millions of people across northern India and neighboring countries.

Faster warming will likely hasten glacier retreat. It may reduce seasonal snow storage and change river flow patterns. Moreover, the changes could raise the risk of floods, landslides, and water shortages.

These results match other studies that show the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region warms faster than the global average. This situation puts one of the world’s most sensitive ecosystems under growing pressure.

Scientists now call for stronger climate monitoring and better adaptation strategies. They stress that these steps have become essential. Mountain communities need support to prepare for the changes that have already begun.

The Amarnath Yatra started on July 3 this year. It drew a huge response from devotees, more than a year after the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam. However, the pilgrimage now faces a new challenge. News reports show that the sacred ice lingam, known as Baba Barfani, has melted by over 90 percent just days after the Yatra began.

The Amarnath Cave Shrine sits at about 3,888 meters (12,756 feet) in the Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. It rests beneath the Lidder Valley. Pilgrims can reach the shrine through the traditional 48-kilometer Pahalgam route or the shorter but steeper 14-kilometer Baltal route.

Strong Pilgrim Turnout

The Jammu and Kashmir administration celebrated the record number of devotees. Yet many locals expressed worry about the rapid melting of the ice lingam. PDP leader Iltija Mufti voiced strong concern on social media platform X.

Mufti blamed climate change for the early melt. She pointed to factors such as reckless tree cutting, illegal mining, poor waste management, and falling water levels. “Only a week into the Amarnath Yatra, and the naturally formed lingam has already melted,” she wrote. Moreover, she added that the environment has become a victim of Kashmir’s politics and holds no political value.

Mufti called for a long-term sustainable environmental and tourism policy. She suggested learning from Bhutan to protect the mountains, rivers, and glaciers. Otherwise, she warned, Kashmir could lose its essence.

Many early pilgrims confirmed the melting through interviews and social media posts. This situation has revived an ongoing debate. Does climate change cause faster melting each year? Additionally, do rising pilgrim numbers and growing infrastructure harm the fragile Himalayan ecosystem?

Record Footfall Raises Questions

This year’s Yatra began under tight security after the April 2025 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. Despite the risks, pilgrim numbers surged sharply. Over 93,000 devotees visited the shrine in the first four days. For instance, more than 32,000 offered prayers by July 5, and over 20,000 arrived on the second day alone. This marked one of the highest second-day attendances in recent years.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who leads the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, called it a massive surge compared to previous years. However, he raised concerns about unregistered pilgrims. Thousands arrived without required health certificates or RFID registration. These arrivals strained security and infrastructure, he noted. The Board limits daily pilgrims to 10,000 on each route.

Official Response

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the melting issue. He reminded people that the Supreme Court already sets a cap on pilgrim numbers. “The ice lingam forms naturally,” he stated. “Neither you nor I can control how long it lasts.”

Climate Change and Environmental Impact

Scientists warn that the Himalayas warm faster than many other mountain ranges. Rising temperatures, shifting snowfall, and retreating glaciers appear clearly in Jammu and Kashmir. Reports highlighted unusually warm conditions near the cave and surrounding glaciers as a key reason for the quick melt. Even small temperature rises, combined with humidity changes inside the cave, affect the ice formation.

Over the past two decades, authorities widened roads, added temporary shelters, moved community kitchens closer, and introduced electricity and solar power. Heavy machinery improved access, and the government recently approved a ropeway project. Talks continue about a tunnel between Sheshnag and Panchtarni. These developments make the journey safer and easier for pilgrims. Yet they may also change the cave’s delicate microclimate.

This early melting is not new. Historical data shows the lingam lasted only 29 days in 2018, 38 days in 2020, 28 days in 2022, and about a week in 2024. This year, it shrank even faster.

The Amarnath Yatra continues to attract thousands of faithful devotees. At the same time, the shrinking ice lingam highlights the urgent need to balance faith, tourism, and environmental protection in this sacred Himalayan region.

Heavy rains triggered severe waterlogging across several cities on Thursday. Surat in Gujarat faced major flooding. At the same time, Delhi and surrounding areas dealt with traffic chaos after trees fell and roads submerged.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal criticized the current government. He said officials focused only on the fixed Minto Bridge underpass while ignoring other flooded parts of the city. The Aam Aadmi Party leader pointed to widespread waterlogging, poor sanitation, and damaged roads in many neighborhoods.

In response, the Delhi government stated that agencies worked hard to manage the situation. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta directed all departments to stay on high alert. Teams from the Jal Board, PWD, and municipal corporations worked on the ground to clear water.

Rain Causes Widespread Disruptions in Delhi-NCR

Heavy overnight showers uprooted at least five trees in Delhi. These incidents blocked traffic in several areas, including East of Kailash, Kalkaji, and Rohini. One tree fell on a parked car in Ranjeet Nagar, but no one got hurt. Another tree damaged a van in Rohini Sector 15 with no casualties.

Water entered a government school in Badarpur and disrupted classes. In Ghaziabad’s Vasundhara, a road caved in and trapped a car and scooter. Authorities later rescued the vehicles. Additionally, severe waterlogging affected roads in Noida, Gurugram, and parts of Delhi. Commuters faced long traffic jams, especially on NH-24 near Ghazipur and Akshardham.

Meteorologists explained the reason behind the intense rainfall. A strong low-pressure area and active monsoon trough brought heavy showers to the region. Private forecaster Skymet Weather predicted intermittent rain until July 10. Eastern parts of Delhi-NCR received the heaviest downpours, with some areas getting up to 200 mm of rain.

Several schools in Gurugram considered shifting to online classes because of waterlogged roads and stranded buses. In Dehradun, authorities closed all schools as a precaution. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department issued red and orange alerts for Delhi and nearby areas.

The monsoon also caused problems in other states. Landslides occurred in Uttarakhand and Kerala. In Maharashtra, heavy rain led to flash floods and other incidents. Overall, the strong monsoon system disrupted daily life across large parts of northern and western India.

Authorities urged residents to stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel during the downpour. Civic teams continued to pump out water and clear roads throughout the day.

Heavy monsoon rains hit Gurgaon hard. Residents suddenly faced waterlogged streets across several parts of the city. Viral videos quickly spread online. They showed vehicles struggling through deep floods. Many locals joked that Gurgaon had turned into “Venice” for a day.

Flooding Disrupts Daily Life

The heavy showers submerged multiple areas within hours. Roads vanished under layers of standing water. Vehicles stood partially underwater. Residents shared visuals from their neighbourhoods to highlight the chaos.

For example, Instagram user Meghana Abhyankar posted a video from outside her house. The entire street lay covered in water. Even her parked scooty disappeared under the flood. She noted, “This is what two hours of rainfall can do in Gurgaon. We cannot even see the road anymore.”

Similarly, Instagram user Aashi Vlogs captured scenes outside Airia Mall. Water filled the area completely. The creator joked that the mall now had its own water body.

Meanwhile, the Gurgaon Meri Jaan Instagram page shared clips from different locations. Cars tried to move through flooded roads. Cyclists and two-wheeler riders faced major difficulties during their commute.

A Recurring Problem

Waterlogging remains a common issue in Gurgaon every monsoon season. Rapid urbanisation and poor drainage systems make the situation worse. Low-lying areas, underpasses, and main roads often become vulnerable. As a result, traffic comes to a standstill and commuters suffer long delays.

Residents have raised these concerns many times. They demand better stormwater management and faster action from civic authorities. However, the problem continues to affect the city despite its modern image.

Humorous Reactions Online

On the brighter side, the flooding sparked plenty of light-hearted memes and jokes online. One user commented, “It is giving peak Venice vibes.” Another wrote, “Typical Gurugram posh area – now you need a boat for monsoons.”

People made fun of the situation creatively. One resident from Sohna joked about living underwater like Patrick Star. Others suggested that navigation apps should update their directions to mention lakes instead of roads.

Nevertheless, behind the humour lies a serious challenge. The recurring floods remind everyone about the urgent need for improved infrastructure in Gurgaon. City authorities must address these issues to make monsoons more manageable for residents in the future.

Heavy rains struck several parts of Gurugram on Sunday. The downpour left many areas badly waterlogged. Old Gurugram suffered the most damage. Once again, the flooding highlighted the city’s ongoing drainage problems.

Water accumulated quickly in multiple locations. Residents reported severe issues in Sectors 3, 7, 9, 10, 10A, 34, and 69. Other affected spots included Ashok Vihar Phase III, the Bus Stand area, Khandsa Road, Rajendra Park, Daulatabad Industrial Area, Basai, Gurugram village, Bajghera, Surat Nagar, Dhanwapur, and Caterpur.

Meanwhile, authorities conducted the Haryana Teacher Eligibility Test (HTET) on the same day. Examination centres in Sectors 10 and 10A faced major disruptions. Candidates struggled with flooded roads and heavy traffic. “The main road turned into a river,” said candidate Pooja Yadav. “It became extremely difficult to commute, especially for those on two-wheelers.”

Local residents expressed deep frustration. Vikas Hooda, president of Ashok Vihar Phase 3 RWA, noted that officials had promised to solve the waterlogging. However, those assurances did not work. “Pedestrians now wade through dirty water up to two feet deep,” he added.

Additionally, Anuj Mathur from Tulip Purple in Sector 69 described the long-term problem. Residents in Tulip Purple, Tulip White, and nearby shops have dealt with chronic flooding for eight to ten years. “The area gets waterlogged within hours of rain,” he explained.

Gurugram received up to 34.5 mm of rainfall on Sunday. However, the city still remains 42% rain deficient for the season, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

In Rajendra Park, residents reported continued flooding despite earlier promises from the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram. “This situation is dangerous,” said resident Rajesh Gulia. “Pipeline work is underway, and open chambers make it unsafe.”

In Sector 23A, RWA general secretary Vikas Gauba blamed incomplete contractor work for worsening the floods. He urged the corporation to complete the project quickly and blacklist the agency.

Officials responded promptly to the crisis. They deployed teams with pumps, suction tankers, and tractor-mounted pumps. “Some desilting work is in its final stage,” a senior official confirmed. “We will finish it soon.”

The city recorded 34.4 mm of rainfall across three IMD stations until 5:30 pm. The NorthCap University station in Sector 23A measured the highest at 34.5 mm. Meanwhile, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds up to 40 km/h until Thursday. Heavy rainfall is expected between July 7 and 9.

Temperatures also changed slightly. The maximum rose to 35.6°C, while the minimum increased to 27.8°C.

This monsoon season continues to challenge Gurugram’s infrastructure. Authorities must take stronger steps to prevent future waterlogging. Residents hope for faster and more effective solutions ahead.