IMD Confirms Earliest Monsoon Onset in Decades for Vidarbha Region

Nagpur, India: The monsoon arrived in Vidarbha on 28 May, making it the earliest onset in over five decades. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the early arrival, stating that the last time the monsoon reached this region so early was back in 1971 and 1956, when it arrived by 1 June.

The monsoon first touched parts of Gadchiroli district, including Sironcha, Aheri, and Bhamragad, due to an active monsoon trough, favourable weather conditions, and a depression over the Arabian Sea. However, meteorologists have warned that further progress of the monsoon may be delayed for now, and farmers have been advised not to begin sowing yet.

Heavy rainfall over the past 36 hours has already impacted several parts of Vidarbha. Akola was the worst hit, recording 140 mm of rainfall. Water entered the ground floor of the District Library and even reached the operation theatre of the Women’s Hospital. Streets in low-lying areas like Dabki Road, Durga Square, and Rautwadi were waterlogged.

In Buldhana district, rainfall damaged standing crops and caused rivers like the Purna to swell. Towns like Sindkhed Raja, Deulgaon Raja, and Jalgaon Jamod also received significant rainfall. Nagpur experienced moderate showers along with lightning and strong winds, which led to waterlogging and power cuts in parts of the city.

The IMD has issued red and orange alerts for heavy rain in multiple districts, including parts of Western Maharashtra. The sudden showers have highlighted gaps in civic readiness, with many residents criticising the authorities for not preparing in advance.

The IMD says the region may not see continuous rainfall in the immediate days ahead, but people are advised to stay alert and follow weather updates closely.

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