Monsoon Advances in Punjab, Haryana to See Rains Soon
The southwest monsoon has advanced into several parts of Punjab, bringing relief from prolonged heat and humidity. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), favourable conditions persist for further progression into Haryana and Chandigarh over the next 48 hours. Pre-monsoon showers have already cooled the region, setting the stage for a more widespread and sustained monsoonal phase in northwestern India.
The India Meteorological Department confirmed on Sunday that the monsoon has officially advanced into parts of Punjab, with moisture-laden winds and increased cloud cover marking the seasonal shift. Chandigarh Meteorological Director Surinder Pal noted that conditions remain favourable for further advancement into Haryana, including the union territory of Chandigarh, within the next two days. The monsoon’s northern push aligns with seasonal averages, though variability in intensity may persist in early phases.
According to the IMD, the southwest monsoon has also advanced into most parts of Himachal Pradesh, the entire Ladakh and Kashmir regions, and significant areas of Jammu and north Punjab. This widespread reach marks a critical milestone in the seasonal transition of northern India, bringing much-needed rainfall to high-altitude and agrarian belts. These early showers are vital for groundwater recharge, kharif crop sowing, and heatwave mitigation in the region.
Both Punjab and Haryana have experienced pre-monsoon showers in recent days, leading to a dip in daytime temperatures and a significant drop in humidity levels. Residents across Ludhiana, Amritsar, Ambala, and Karnal reported overcast skies and light drizzles, providing a brief but welcome escape from hot-weather conditions. The rainfall also helped reduce dust levels and improve air quality, particularly in urban centres prone to summer smog buildup.
The IMD has predicted increased rainfall activity in the coming week, with moderate to heavy showers expected in parts of Punjab, Haryana, and adjoining hills. Farmers across the region have welcomed the rainfall as it allows for timely preparation of paddy fields and sowing of kharif crops like maize, pulses, and cotton. With irrigation demands reduced, this onset of monsoon is expected to ease groundwater stress and electricity consumption for farm use.
The monsoon’s timely arrival in Punjab and its expected progress into Haryana and Chandigarh signals a positive start for North India’s rainy season. With pre-monsoon showers already providing relief, the full onset promises agricultural benefits, better air quality, and improved water availability. As the monsoon advances further northward, authorities and residents alike should remain alert to localised flooding while embracing the much-awaited seasonal shift.
