IMD says India’s southwest monsoon has covered the entire country

The India Meteorological Department said on Thursday, July 9, 2026, that the southwest monsoon has covered the entire country after advancing into the remaining parts of Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab.

The nationwide spread came one day after the normal July 8 date, according to the reporting. It marks a key seasonal milestone for India’s weather pattern and for the farm sector, which depends heavily on monsoon rains.

Monsoon reaches final areas

Reports citing the IMD said the monsoon progressed into the last uncovered parts of Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab, completing its passage across India.

That means the country is now fully under the influence of the southwest monsoon, the main rainy season that shapes sowing decisions, water availability and short-term weather risks across much of the country.

Why it matters

The full arrival of the monsoon is closely watched because it affects agriculture, reservoirs and day-to-day life in both rural and urban areas.

The milestone does not mean rainfall will be even everywhere. IMD-linked reporting on the same day said heavy rain alerts remained in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra, raising the risk of localized flooding, disruption and travel delays.

What to watch next

The main follow-up question is how much rainfall deficit remains nationally and whether the next few days bring stronger rain totals in key states.

For now, the confirmed development is the seasonal one: India’s southwest monsoon has reached every part of the country, slightly later than usual but still within the normal early-July window.