IMD Alerts Signal Monsoon Progress in Delhi and Mumbai, June 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued rain alerts for Delhi and Mumbai in June 2025, marking the southwest monsoon’s advance. Bringing 75% of India’s rainfall, the monsoon supports agriculture but strains urban infrastructure, highlighting the need for climate-resilient planning.

The southwest monsoon reached Delhi and Mumbai by June 17, 2025, covering 80% of India, per IMD. Delhi recorded 60 mm rainfall in 24 hours, dropping temperatures from 44°C to 34°C, while Mumbai received 100 mm, causing waterlogging. IMD’s orange alert for June 18-20 predicts heavy rain (115-204 mm) in Maharashtra and Gujarat, with yellow alerts for Delhi, warning of thunderstorms and 50 kmph winds.

The monsoon’s early onset, driven by a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, contrasts with 2024’s delayed start. The Bharat Forecast System, with 6 km resolution, enhances predictions, reducing flood-related losses by 10%. India’s 58% agricultural workforce relies on the monsoon, with kharif sowing up 13.3% to 453,000 hectares. However, erratic rains in Uttar Pradesh damaged 5% of crops.

Urban areas face disruptions, with Mumbai’s 15 flights diverted and Delhi’s traffic delayed by 2 hours on June 16. India’s 70% urban drainage systems are outdated, costing $10 billion annually in flood damages. The Budget 2025-26’s $500 million for smart cities aims to upgrade infrastructure, but only 10% of funds are disbursed. Mumbai’s coastal resilience plan, with $200 million for mangrove restoration, mitigates flooding by 15%.

Climate change intensifies monsoon variability, with a 20% rise in extreme rain events since 2000. India’s 109 high-risk districts require $5 billion for adaptation. The National Mission for Sustainable Habitat promotes permeable pavements, but adoption is below 5%. Delhi’s 50% green cover target by 2030 could reduce urban flooding by 10%, per TERI studies.

Conclusion

IMD’s 2025 monsoon alerts highlight the monsoon’s critical role in agriculture and urban challenges. Enhanced forecasting and resilient infrastructure are vital to manage climate-driven disruptions and ensure economic stability.

Source: Outlook Business