When Will it Rain? IMD's Detailed Monsoon 2026 Schedule for India

As summer temperatures soar across India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has provided a glimmer of hope with the release of the 2026 Monsoon arrival schedule. The annual weather phenomenon, which is the lifeblood of India's agrarian economy, is expected to follow a traditional trajectory this year. The forecast indicates that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will witness the monsoon's entry by mid-May, followed by the mainland onset in Kerala during the first week of June. The progression of the monsoon will be closely monitored as it moves through the Western Ghats and the Bay of Bengal. In Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai, the monsoon typically arrives by the second week of June. This year, the IMD predicts a strong surge that could bring early rains to the Konkan coast. Meanwhile, the eastern states, including West Bengal and Bihar, are likely to see the monsoon's arrival between June 15 and June 20, depending on the formation of low-pressure areas in the Bay of Bengal. Central and North India, including the National Capital Region (NCR), are slated for a late June arrival. Delhi, which often experiences intense heat waves in June, is expected to receive its first monsoon rains by June 28. The IMD's forecast also highlights that the 2026 season might see a more even distribution of rain compared to previous years, reducing the risk of localized droughts. Farmers across the country are advised to plan their sowing schedules according to these projected dates, while urban local bodies are urged to complete desilting work before the heavy downpours begin.