Monsoon advances into Bengal, Sikkim; set to cover more of Andhra, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra this week

The southwest monsoon is progressing steadily across India. It has now covered Sikkim and parts of Northeast India. The India Meteorological Department forecasts further advancement into southern, central, and eastern regions over the next four to five days. This expected rainfall will bring relief to many areas and support the crucial kharif sowing season for farmers. The southwest monsoon continued its steady advance across the country on Tuesday, reaching the remaining parts of the Northeast and covering the entire state of Sikkim, even as the India Meteorological Department forecast further progress into several regions of southern, central and eastern India over the next four to five days. According to the IMD, the monsoon has advanced into parts of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, the remaining areas of the Northeast and the whole of Sikkim, marking a significant expansion of its footprint. The weather agency said atmospheric conditions remain favourable for the monsoon to advance further into more parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka during the next four to five days. Similar conditions are expected to aid its progress into additional parts of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and eastern India during the same period. The anticipated advance is expected to bring widespread rainfall to several regions that have been experiencing intense summer heat and dry conditions, providing relief to residents and supporting the ongoing agricultural season. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the pace of the monsoon's northward movement, which is crucial for the country's kharif sowing season.