Monsoon likely to reach northwest India 7 days in advance

PUNE: Monsoon has made rapid progress over some parts of India so far this season and could reach northwest India almost seven days before time, India Meteorological Department director general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra told TOI.
Monsoon has advanced faster over central parts of the country, entering parts of north Maharashtra and MP earlier than normal by about five to seven days.
Normal date for monsoon advance over parts of MP is around June 20, but it reached the state around June 11. Monsoon covered northern parts of Maharashtra by June 9-10, while it normally covers only south Maharashtra by that time. “It is likely to maintain this streak during the next few days, as it may reach parts of UP way ahead of time, by about seven days. It is also likely to enter some parts of northwest India earlier than usual ,” he said. DS Pai, scientist and head, climate research, IMD, told TOI the low-pressure system is expected to take monsoon current further