Maharashtra has been in the news for two reasons this year: constant heatwaves with temperatures hitting the middle and high forties, and drought in Vidarbha, Marathwada and North Maharashtra. As temperatures continue to stay well above 40°C, all eyes are set on the sky hoping for monsoon rains to bring some relief.
Long-term rainfall trends indicate that the monsoon reaches Maharashtra around June 7. Last year, i.e. 2018, the monsoon arrived in south Maharashtra on June 8 according to IMD’s records. Over the last 5 years, the onset date in the state has ranged from June 6 to June 18.
The pre-monsoon season is the period from March 1 to May 31.
It is also critical for the country’s economy, since its strength will determine the outcome of kharif (summer) crops sown across India.
