The monsoon season is a crucial period for India, impacting agriculture, economy, and daily life. In 2025, the southwest monsoon exhibited an exceptional pace, covering the entire country by June 29, nine days ahead of the usual deadline of July 8. This article explores the factors contributing to this rapid progression and its implications.
Covering all of India by June is a rare occurrence. Since 1960, this has only happened seven times, with notable years including 1960, 1975, 1986, 2005, 2018, and 2020. The 2025 monsoon's early arrival raised questions about the underlying climatic factors.
The MJO is an eastward-moving weather phenomenon that influences cloud and rainfall patterns. When active, it enhances the strength of monsoon winds and boosts rainfall over India, contributing to the rapid onset observed in 2025.
A low pressure system forms when atmospheric pressure decreases in a region, attracting moist winds that lead to cloud formation and rain. In June 2025, the presence of five such systems played a vital role in accelerating the monsoon's spread across the country.
The monsoon trough is a significant low pressure area. Its southern position during June 2025 allowed for the influx of moisture-rich winds, which was crucial for the swift advancement of the monsoon.
In 2025, the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) remained in its neutral phase, neither hindering nor enhancing the monsoon. Similarly, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) also stayed neutral, which meant that these factors did not disrupt the monsoon's progress.
India recorded approximately 180 mm of rainfall in June, about 9% above normal levels. The distribution of this rainfall varied significantly across regions.
An early monsoon is beneficial for farmers, allowing timely sowing of kharif crops such as rice, cotton, and pulses. It reduces dependence on irrigation, lowers input costs, and aids in effective yield planning.
Q1. How early did the monsoon cover all of India in 2025?
Answer: The southwest monsoon covered the entire country by June 29, which is nine days ahead of its usual completion date of July 8.
Q2. How unusual is it for the monsoon to cover all of India in June?
Answer: This event has occurred only seven times since 1960, with other notable years being 1960, 1975, 1986, 2005, 2018, and 2020.
Q3. What triggered the fast progress of the monsoon in 2025?
Answer: Factors included an early onset in Kerala, the influence of the Madden-Julian Oscillation, several low pressure systems, and a favorable position of the monsoon trough.
Q4. What role did ENSO and IOD play in 2025?
Answer: Both ENSO and IOD were in neutral phases, allowing the monsoon to progress without disruption, which is crucial for consistent rainfall patterns.
Q5. How significant is the early monsoon for farmers in India?
Answer: An early monsoon facilitates timely sowing of kharif crops, reduces irrigation needs, cuts costs, and enhances yield planning, crucial for agricultural success.
Question 1: When did the southwest monsoon cover all of India in 2025?
A) June 20
B) June 29
C) July 8
D) July 15
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How many times has the monsoon covered India in June since 1960?
A) 5
B) 7
C) 10
D) 12
Correct Answer: B
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