India Meteorological Department

IMD forecasts below-normal rain in August, second half of monsoon

The IMD forecasts below-normal rainfall in August and September, raising concerns over crop prospects if rainfall remains uneven despite a positive IOD outlook

Patchy rains, delayed sowing: How uneven rainfall is affecting farms

Despite recent heavy rainfall, cumulative monsoon deficits remain. Here's why the timing and distribution of rain matter as much as seasonal totals for agriculture

Gurugram likely to see 100 mm of rain as IMD issues red alert for Delhi-NCR

Gurugram is likely to record its first 100 mm-plus rainfall event as heavy rain batters Delhi-NCR. The IMD has issued a red alert, warning of severe waterlogging, thunderstorms and strong winds

Kharif sowing picks up pace but acreage gap still remains big enough

Kharif sowing gathers pace as monsoon improves, but acreage remains below last year amid weak rainfall concerns

India's monsoon rainfall deficit at 14%: When does it become a drought?

The IMD said that with the onset of the southwest monsoon, India's overall rainfall deficit fell to 14 per cent on July 9, down from 30 per cent on June 30

IMD issues red alert for Mumbai, nearby districts over heavy rain

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued a red alert for Mumbai for Saturday and Sunday, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places with extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations, civic officials said. A red alert was also issued for the neighbouring Thane, Palghar and Raigad districts. Mumbai has been battered by rains throughout this week following the late onset of the monsoon, throwing normal life out of gear. As per the IMD's district-wise forecast issued on Friday afternoon, the city is likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places with isolated extremely heavy spells on July 4 and 5. The probability of the forecast was categorised as "very likely". The IMD also forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Mumbai on Monday, while heavy rainfall is likely at a few places on Tuesday. As per BMC officials, neighbouring Thane and Palghar districts have also been placed under a red alert for Saturday and Sunday

Monsoon reaches Kerala after three day delay, brings relief from heatwave

Last month, the India Meteorological ‌Department forecast an El Nino-weakened monsoon in 2026 that ‌will bring ​the lowest rainfall ​in 11 years

Thunderstorms, rain to persist across India; monsoon yet to reach Kerala

IMD forecasts lightning, gusty winds and heavy rainfall in several states; temperatures likely to rise gradually across northwest India this week

FMCG companies push volume cart; price hikes to be limited amid challenges

Play the long game on pricing to protect consumption growth amid rising raw material and freight costs

IMD further lowers 2026 monsoon forecast as El Nino set to develop

Chouhan asks states to be 'prepared'; Centre prepares war chest of extra seeds to meet any eventuality

Plans afoot to counter El Niño threat to kharif crops, says Chouhan

The ministry is in the process of identifying districts for alternative crops and ensuring seed availability in the event of an El Nino impact, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said

Southwest monsoon advances over Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, says IMD

The monsoon has missed its expected onset date of May 26 in Kerala but has further advanced into some more parts of the southwest and southeast Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep area and Bay of Bengal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday. The IMD had earlier estimated that the monsoon would arrive in Kerala on May 26 with a model error of 4 days. The monsoon usually sets over Kerala around June 1, marking the beginning of the monsoon season (June to September) in the country. Last year, the onset of monsoon happened on May 24, according to the department. In a statement, the IMD said, "Conditions are favourable for further advance of southwest monsoon into some more parts of southwest and southeast Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep area, southwest, eastcentral and westcentral Bay of Bengal, remaining parts of southeast Bay of Bengal and some parts of northeast Bay of Bengal during the next 2-3 days." India receives more than 70 pc of its annual rainfall during the .

From alert to action: Why India's weather warnings still miss the last mile

Why does a modern warning ecosystem still fail to protect people on the ground? Experts detail deeper problems in India's weather alert system

Climate Change crisis: IMD to change parameters to declare heatwaves

The IMD, along with its technical partners, will soon revise the criteria for declaring heatwave conditions in the country, as the present parameters do not suit India's geographical conditions, according to official sources here. Kerala, in particular, has faced difficulties in issuing heatwave warnings because of the limitations of the existing parameters. Sources in the India Meteorological Department said the state experienced severe heat and humidity this summer and, for the first time, weather forecasts were made based on the anti-cyclone system that formed near the KarnatakaMaharashtra coast. "We have never had an anti-cyclone system form closer to the South before, and this time we had to predict the weather based on it," a senior IMD official told PTI. Anti-cyclonic systems are common over north-western parts of India, but this year one formed near the southern region, leading to unusually hot nights. The anti-cyclone caused downward air movement, which pushed warm air ..

Southwest monsoon likely to set in over Kerala on May 26, says IMD

The monsoon, the primary rain-bearing system, normally arrives in Kerala around June 1 and advances northwards to cover other parts of the country

Heatwave to intensify in north India; rain likely in south, Northeast

Large swathes of northwest and central India are bracing for more heat as the IMD predicts heatwave and warm night conditions, while northeastern and southern parts of the country may witness rainfall

IMD issues heatwave advisory as temperatures rise across north India

With temperatures rising across several regions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) released detailed heatwave guidelines and advisories, officials said on Saturday. These include avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during peak afternoon hours, staying adequately hydrated, wearing light and breathable clothing, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during high-temperature periods. The IMD advised special care for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. "The department emphasised that early awareness and preventive action are critical in reducing heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke," an official said. In its latest assessment, the IMD said that maximum temperatures in many parts of northwest, central, and peninsular India currently range between 40 degrees Celsius and 44 degrees Celsius, with the highest temperature of 44.5 degrees Celsius recorded at Sri ...

Has India's farm output finally become less dependent on the monsoon?

As India faces a below-normal monsoon forecast for 2026, improved irrigation, resilient seeds and policy support have strengthened farm output, though regional risks and inflation concerns persist

Datanomics: Met accuracy improves; farm GVA shifts slightly from crops

Improving monsoon forecasts and a gradual shift from crops to livestock are reducing agriculture's direct impact on India's overall economic growth

Taking a 'rain check' on agri output as past data softens monsoon concerns

IMD's below-normal monsoon forecast raises farm concerns, but past trends show steady foodgrain output supported by irrigation, resilient seeds, and better rainfall distribution