The southwest monsoon is moving steadily towards India’s west coast, raising hopes of pre-monsoon relief in Pune as temperatures remain warm across the city.

According to the India Meteorological Department, the monsoon has resumed its advance after a brief pause and is now progressing over parts of the southeast Arabian Sea. Weather officials say conditions remain favourable, and Kerala is likely to witness the official onset of the monsoon within the next few hours.

For Pune, this development is significant as the city’s weather is closely linked to the monsoon’s progress along the Konkan coast. Once the system reaches Kerala and advances northward over the Arabian Sea, districts across Maharashtra, including Pune, typically begin seeing increased cloud cover, gusty winds and pre-monsoon showers.

The IMD had earlier predicted monsoon onset over Kerala around May 26. With the system now gathering pace, meteorologists say Maharashtra’s western region could begin feeling its impact soon.

In Pune, residents have already been experiencing rising humidity and warmer afternoons over the past few days. The advancing monsoon is expected to bring much-needed relief from the heat, while farmers across the district will also be closely watching the movement for the upcoming sowing season.

The next few days will be crucial for Pune, as the monsoon’s progress over Kerala and the Arabian Sea could offer the clearest signal yet of when the first widespread showers may arrive in the city.