Monsoon Advances Unevenly Across India, Satellite Image Reveals Patchy Rainfall

India’s southwest monsoon continues to paint a contrasting picture across the country.

With fresh satellite imagery from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) revealing stark differences in cloud cover even as rainfall activity gradually improves.

The latest INSAT-3DS image shows thick cloud bands blanketing western and parts of central India, while large areas of northwest India and the Indo-Gangetic plains remain relatively cloud-free, highlighting the uneven progress of this year’s monsoon.

According to IMD data, India has recorded 395.5 mm of rainfall against the seasonal normal of 446.3 mm since June 1, leaving the country with an overall monsoon rainfall deficit of 11%.

Although the nationwide shortfall has narrowed from the sharp deficits recorded earlier in the season, rainfall distribution remains highly uneven, with several states across the Hindi heartland continuing to receive below-normal precipitation.

SATELLITE SHOWS SHARP MONSOON CONTRAST

The INSAT-3DS satellite image captured on Saturday morning showed an active weather system over western India, where a depression has triggered widespread rainfall across Gujarat and neighbouring regions.

In contrast, cloud cover over Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and large parts of Uttar Pradesh remained scattered, reflecting subdued monsoon activity across northwest India.

Meteorologists said the monsoon trough is expected to gradually shift northwards, creating favourable conditions for increased rainfall over the region during the next few days.

RAINFALL LIKELY TO PICK UP FROM AUGUST 3

From Sunday, light to moderate showers are expected across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. However, rainfall is likely to remain patchy initially, covering only about 20-30% of the geographical area, meaning many districts may continue to stay dry.

A more widespread spell of rain is forecast between August 3 and August 5, when Delhi-NCR, Punjab and Haryana are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall ranging from 40 mm to 100 mm. Rainfall coverage during this period could expand to 40-70% of the region, offering much-needed relief to areas facing prolonged monsoon deficits.

Meanwhile, south and central Rajasthan are likely to experience heavy rainfall on Sunday and Monday as the weather system over western India strengthens.

Despite the improving outlook, weather experts caution that widespread monsoon activity across northwest India may take a few more days to fully establish. The season has continued to be marked by sharp regional contrasts, with parts of western India battling flood-like conditions even as several northern states remain rain-deficient.

The latest satellite imagery underscores the uneven nature of this year’s monsoon, illustrating how one part of the country is coping with excessive rainfall while another continues to wait for sustained seasonal showers.