Punjab is going through a highly unusual monsoon season in 2025, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announcing multiple significant trend departures from recent years.
Early and rapid onset
The monsoon arrived in Punjab well before the usual date. IMD has confirmed that the southwest monsoon had covered the entire country—Punjab among them—by June 29, nine full days ahead of the normal date of July 8. It is the earliest all-India coverage in 17 years since 2009. The early arrival brought relief in the form of relatively cool heatwaves that had blanketed the country in June.
Above-average rainfall prediction
Above-average rain has been forecast by the IMD for Punjab in 2025, with the state receiving over 115% of its season average of 440 mm. In June alone, 180 mm was received by India, which is over the normal 165.3 mm, and in the first 26 days of May, abnormally high rainfall was seen in Punjab—something not seen in the last three years, when June rain was below average.
Higher incidence of heavy rainfall events
This year, the IMD reported 70 instances of heavy rainfall in June across India, compared to 51 last year, highlighting the increased intensity and frequency of downpours. Punjab, along with neighboring Haryana, has been under IMD alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall, especially in early July.
Temperature relief and agricultural optimism
Because of persistent cloud cover and rain, maximum temperatures in Punjab have remained near or a little short of normal, a welcome relief from the biting heatwaves of previous years. The timely and heavy rains have also kindled hopes of increased Kharif crop sowing and higher farm output, crucial to the Punjab economy.
Why this year is different
- Earliest monsoon coverage in nearly two decades
- Excessive rainfalls following three years of shortfall Junes
- Rise in frequency and severity of excessive rain episodes
- Early relief from pre-monsoon heatwaves
- Agricultural stimulus and recharging of groundwater
IMD's prediction
The IMD attributes this shift to neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions and favorable monsoon trough positioning, both of which have helped to enable robust rainfall activity during this season so far.
In brief
Punjab's 2025 monsoon is special with its advance start, more intense and regular rains, and relief after decades of irregular and insufficient rains. This shift is not just rewriting the state's weather pattern but also inspiring hope among its farmers and citizens.