IMD says monsoon may advance across north India in 5-6 days as heat alerts continue

IMD says the southwest monsoon may advance further into several north Indian states over the next five to six days, but the region is not moving into a uniform rainy spell. Uttar Pradesh remains under a heatwave alert, while rain warnings are in place for Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

The forecast, reported on June 28, comes as north India sits in a sharp transition phase. Some areas are getting rain and thunderstorm activity, while others are still dealing with dangerous heat.

Monsoon advance in view

According to the reports, the India Meteorological Department said conditions are favourable for the southwest monsoon to progress across more northern states within the next five to six days. A separate report said IMD expected monsoon entry into Uttar Pradesh by June 30.

That makes the coming days important for states waiting on the seasonal shift, but the exact timing and district-wise first arrival remain uncertain.

Heat persists in Uttar Pradesh

Even with the monsoon line moving north, heat stress has not eased everywhere. Uttar Pradesh is still under a heatwave alert, with warnings covering a large number of districts, according to follow-up coverage.

The continued heat matters for public health, travel and work patterns, especially in areas that have not yet received meaningful rain.

Rain and thunderstorms elsewhere

Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan are among the states flagged for rain warnings as the monsoon advances and pre-monsoon systems continue to interact with hot air over north India.

Delhi also remained in the transition zone. One report said the city recorded its warmest morning in two years, underscoring how unsettled the weather pattern is even before the monsoon fully settles in.

What to watch next

The key near-term question is whether IMD confirms monsoon entry into western Uttar Pradesh by June 30 and how quickly rain spreads farther north.

The next updates will also show whether the heatwave alert in Uttar Pradesh is downgraded, and whether Delhi-NCR gets the thunderstorms and brief rain relief expected in the next 24 to 72 hours.

For farmers, commuters and local authorities, the main issue is the same: conditions can change quickly, with heat, lightning, gusty winds and local flooding all possible during the transition.