Nagpur: The much-anticipated monsoon seems to have lost its way, leaving Nagpur and the rest of Vidarbha to roast under a relentless sun. On Monday, Nagpur recorded a searing 44.2 degrees Celsius, making it not just the hottest city in the region but also marking the most blistering day of June so far.
While early rains in Andaman & Nicobar and Kerala raised hopes of an early monsoon, those expectations have now dried up. The monsoon has stalled at its northern limits, delaying its journey into central India and prolonging Vidarbha’s harsh summer.
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10 June 2025
Across the region, the mercury stayed stubbornly above 40°C — Wardha trailed Nagpur at 43.5°C, followed by Brahmapuri at 43.2°C, Bhandara at 42.8°C, Yavatmal at 41.4°C, Chandrapur at 41°C, and Amravati at 42°C.
To add to the misery, rising humidity levels over the past few days have made conditions extremely uncomfortable, turning Nagpur into a furnace with a damp chokehold.
Historically, June is when pre-monsoon showers bring some relief. However, this year has defied the norm. Though May was unusually mild — thanks to overcast skies and scattered rains — June has turned into a punishing reminder of Vidarbha’s infamous summer heat. For reference, Nagpur’s hottest June day on record was 47.7°C on June 5, 2003, and 47.3°C on June 8 and 9 in 2014.
Farmers on edge
The delay in monsoon is not just a discomfort; it’s a crisis in the making. Farmers across Vidarbha, awaiting the right conditions to begin Kharif sowing, are on edge. Though initial showers sparked optimism, they turned out to be a false start.
Fortunately, most farmers have adopted a wait-and-watch approach, understanding the risk of premature sowing without adequate moisture. Pre-sowing tasks like tilling and weed removal are complete, but actual sowing won’t begin until consistent rains arrive.
Rain on the horizon?
Meteorologists suggest that monsoon may reach Vidarbha by next week, but as of now, weather conditions remain unfavourable.
Until then, Nagpurians must brace for more heat, and the fields of Vidarbha must lie in wait, thirsty for the rain that’s yet to come.
