Monsoon Makes Early Entry in India: IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alert from Delhi to UP

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The wait for monsoon in the country is finally over. The monsoon arrived in Delhi on June 29, two days later than usual. However, it reached the rest of the country nine days ahead of the normal date of July 8.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the monsoon has advanced into the remaining parts of Rajasthan, western Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, and entire Delhi. Heavy to very heavy rains are expected to continue over many parts of northwest, central, east, and northeast India over the next seven days.

The IMD also warned of extremely heavy rainfall in some areas of Jharkhand on June 29 and 30, and in Odisha on June 29. Above normal rainfall is expected over most parts of the country, except Ladakh, adjoining areas of Himachal Pradesh, Northeast, and parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.

The monsoon is crucial for India's agricultural sector, supporting the livelihood of 42% of the country's population and contributing 18.2% to the GDP. With the arrival of monsoon, people in Delhi and other parts of the country have got relief from the humid heat, although waterlogging has caused problems in some areas.