As the southwest monsoon remained subdued this year, the influence of El Niño has become more pronounced, contributing to unusually high temperatures across India. The impact was particularly evident in August, when the country experienced one of its hottest August months in the last 125 years.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), India’s average maximum temperature in August was the fourth highest recorded since 1901. The rise in nighttime temperatures was particularly concerning, with several parts of eastern and northeastern India experiencing unusually warm nights.

Night Temperatures Become the Biggest Concern

August is normally considered one of the coolest and wettest months of the monsoon season. However, August 2026 recorded an average temperature of 28.01°C, around 0.67°C above normal.

The biggest contributor to the unusual heat was not daytime temperatures but the lack of cooling after sunset. The average minimum temperature during August stood at 24.36°C, making it the highest average nighttime temperature for August since 1901, according to the IMD.

The average maximum daytime temperature was recorded at 31.66°C, making it the fourth highest on record.

West Bengal, Jharkhand and several parts of the northeastern region witnessed particularly high nighttime temperatures, with some areas recording levels rarely seen during the month.

Monsoon Remains Weak in September

The IMD has forecast that the subdued monsoon trend witnessed during June, July and August is likely to continue through September. Rainfall across the country is expected to remain below normal during September 2026.

The southwest monsoon has remained weaker than usual this year. Between June 4 and August 31, 2026, India received around 14% less rainfall than the long-period average.

The combination of weaker monsoon activity and the growing influence of El Niño has raised concerns over continued heat, reduced rainfall and warmer nights in several parts of the country.

Weather experts are closely monitoring the evolving climate pattern as September progresses, particularly its potential impact on rainfall distribution, agriculture and temperatures across India.

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Heavy Rain Brings Relief from Heat and Humidity

Mumbai witnessed heavy rainfall on Sunday morning, marking the city’s first significant spell of rain this season. The showers brought much-needed relief to residents who had been enduring prolonged heat and humid weather conditions over the past several weeks.

Several parts of the city received moderate to heavy rainfall, providing a welcome respite from soaring temperatures and discomfort caused by high humidity levels.

Monsoon Progress Delayed but Set to Advance

The southwest monsoon had reached South Konkan earlier this month. However, its progress stalled near Solapur from June 8 onwards, delaying further advancement into several regions.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), weather conditions have now become favourable for the southwest monsoon to advance further across Maharashtra by June 23. Meteorologists attribute the ongoing rainfall in Mumbai to cloud formations developing along the Western Ghats.

IMD Forecasts Further Monsoon Expansion

The IMD has indicated that the monsoon is likely to advance into additional parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and Chhattisgarh by June 23. Weather systems supporting the monsoon’s progression have become active, raising hopes for widespread rainfall across central and eastern India.

Satellite imagery also shows increasing cloud cover over several regions, suggesting enhanced rainfall activity in the coming days.

Rainfall Expected Across Central India

Weather experts have forecast rainfall across Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh between June 21 and June 26. While pre-monsoon activity remains active in many parts of the country, the arrival of the monsoon is expected to bring more widespread and consistent rainfall.

The advancing monsoon is likely to provide relief to agricultural regions awaiting seasonal rains for sowing activities.

Heatwave Conditions Persist in Several States

Despite increasing rainfall activity, high temperatures continue to affect several states across India. Temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius have been recorded in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana.

Uttar Pradesh’s Banda remained the hottest location in the country on Saturday, recording a maximum temperature of 44.2 degrees Celsius. Delhi also witnessed temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

Other major temperature readings included:

• Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh): 43.6°C
• Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh): 42.4°C
• Brahmapuri (Maharashtra): 42.1°C
• Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh): 42.0°C
• Chhapra (Bihar): 41.8°C
• Daltonganj (Jharkhand): 40.0°C

Monsoon Reaches 19 States in 15 Days

The southwest monsoon has expanded rapidly and has already covered 19 states within 15 days of its onset. However, its progress has remained stalled for the past nine days near Maharajganj on the Uttar Pradesh-Bihar border.

Meteorologists expect the current weather systems to help the monsoon regain momentum and move further north and east over the next few days.

Relief on the Horizon

While intense heat continues to grip many regions, the renewed advance of the southwest monsoon offers hope for cooler temperatures and improved weather conditions. The rainfall in Mumbai signals the beginning of a more active monsoon phase that is expected to spread across large parts of the country in the coming week.

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