In this week’s Skymet Podcast, AVM (Retd.) G.P. Sharma, President of Meteorology & Climate Change at Skymet, explains how global oceanic factors are influencing the progress of Monsoon 2025. The Niño 3.4 index over the Pacific is currently at -0.4, pointing towards a developing La Niña phase which is considered favorable for the Indian monsoon. On the other hand, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is highly negative at -1.2—the lowest since August 2022—which may suppress rainfall, as a positive IOD usually supports monsoon activity. The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) stands at +0.6, indicating neutral conditions. So far, up to 26th August, the country has received 104% of the Long Period Average (LPA) rainfall, reflecting an above-normal season. Northwest India (including Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi-NCR) and Central India (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh) have experienced good rains, while Bihar and parts of Northeast India recorded a shortfall earlier, though conditions have improved in recent days. Tune in to understand how September’s rains may unfold and what role El Niño, La Niña, and IOD will play in steering the rest of the season.

In this week’s Skymet Podcast, AVM (Retd.) G.P. Sharma, President of Meteorology & Climate Change at Skymet, breaks down the current status and future outlook of Monsoon 2025. With two-thirds of the season now complete, rainfall has been above average, reaching 102% of the Long Period Average (LPA). While states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan have seen heavy showers, northeastern India (Assam, Arunachal, Sikkim, East UP, Bihar) continues to face a rainfall deficit. The episode also explains how the recent “break in monsoon” shifted weather patterns, and what September withdrawal, along with global factors like ENSO and IOD, could mean for farmers and urban regions alike.

In this special episode of Skymet Podcast, AVM (Retd.) G.P. Sharma (President, Meteorology & Climate Change, Skymet) discusses the revival of the 2025 Southwest Monsoon, which has turned active after a prolonged break. The “Break in Monsoon” that began in late July caused significant rainfall deficiency across central and western India, with a nationwide deficit of 31% at the start of August. Now, a new low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is set to bring heavy to very heavy rains over Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Marathwada, Konkan-Goa, South Gujarat, and Saurashtra in the next 7–8 days. Rainfall in Rajasthan and Gujarat has normalized after earlier surpluses, while the Northeast still faces a 39% deficit. For farmers, the upcoming showers in central India bring relief after a long dry spell, though some crops have already been affected.

In this week’s Skymet Podcast, AVM (Retd.) G.P. Sharma, President – Meteorology & Climate Change at Skymet, explains that Monsoon 2025 has now entered a “break phase” and highlights its impact across different regions of India.

This episode delves deep into weakening monsoon activities, declining rainfall, and the weather forecast for the coming week. We also address the recent devastating cloudburst in Uttarkashi, which caused severe destruction in vulnerable areas like Dharali and Harsil.

The fragile geography of the hills, unchecked tourism, and rising population are intensifying the impact of such natural disasters. The discussion extends to how climate change and human interference are aggravating their severity.

From reduced rainfall in Karnataka to shifting weather patterns in Northeast India, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of the changing monsoon across the country. It also emphasizes the urgent need for responsible tourism and greater climate awareness.

As Monsoon 2025 hits its halfway mark, AVM (Retd.) G.P. Sharma decodes the rainfall trends so far — from surplus rains in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh to the risk of floods in Bihar and Northeast India. Learn what "Break in Monsoon" really means and why August–September will be crucial for farmers across India.

In this special episode of the Skymet Podcast, AVM (Retd.) G.P. Sharma, President – Meteorology & Climate Change at Skymet, returns to discuss the unique characteristics of the 2025 Southwest Monsoon. June and July have both performed better than average, a first since 2013. AVM Sharma explains the phenomenon known as the “Break in Monsoon” – a period when the monsoon weakens temporarily and rainfall shifts closer to the Himalayan foothills. He dives into why this break occurs, when it typically happens, and its impacts. The episode also explores the influence of powerful Typhoon 'Wipha' over the Pacific Ocean and its potential downstream effect on the Indian monsoon, possibly triggering a fresh low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal and reviving rains.

In Episode 40 of the Skymet Podcast, AVM (Retd.) G.P. Sharma, President – Meteorology & Climate Change at Skymet, analyzes the alarming monsoon situation in Bihar during 2025. With 45 days into the season, the state is reeling under a 55% rainfall deficit—raising concerns for agriculture, groundwater, and daily life. Sharma explains Bihar’s unique geography—Southern Plateau, Gangetic Plains, and Shivalik Foothills—and how rainfall has been uneven across these zones. Southern districts like Gaya, Nawada, and Jamui have fared relatively better, while regions in North and Central Bihar including Saharsa, Araria, Sitamarhi, and Kishanganj are facing a severe shortfall. The episode delves into how Bay of Bengal weather systems have largely favored Jharkhand and West Bengal, bypassing Bihar. It also explores the influence of ENSO and other oceanic parameters. While some rainfall may occur in southern and eastern Bihar soon, full recovery will take time. This episode is a must-listen for farmers, climate watchers, and policymakers.

In this special episode of the Skymet Podcast, AVM (Retd.) G.P. Sharma takes stock of the first 40 days of the Southwest Monsoon. This year’s monsoon has shown some unusual and fascinating trends compared to previous years. He explains how the monsoon advances through two main branches—Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal—and how these work together to drench the country. The episode also breaks down the three distinct phases of monsoon progression: south to north, east to west, and then widespread expansion across the plains. The monsoon arrived in Kerala on May 24—its earliest onset in 15 years. The episode dives into its current pace and what lies ahead. A must-listen for farmers, weather enthusiasts, researchers, and policymakers keen to understand India’s monsoon structure, movement, and impact.

In this special episode of the Skymet Podcast, AVM (Retd.) G.P. Sharma takes stock of the first 40 days of the Southwest Monsoon. This year’s monsoon has shown some unusual and fascinating trends compared to previous years. He explains how the monsoon advances through two main branches—Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal—and how these work together to drench the country. The episode also breaks down the three distinct phases of monsoon progression: south to north, east to west, and then widespread expansion across the plains. The monsoon arrived in Kerala on May 24—its earliest onset in 15 years. The episode dives into its current pace and what lies ahead. A must-listen for farmers, weather enthusiasts, researchers, and policymakers keen to understand India’s monsoon structure, movement, and impact.

In Episode 37 of the Skymet Podcast, AVM (Retd.) G.P. Sharma, President – Meteorology & Climate Change at Skymet, discusses the early onset and current progress of Monsoon 2025, which covered the entire country by June 29—nine days ahead of schedule. He highlights how both the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea branches played a crucial role in its advancement. While Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh have received above-normal rainfall, regions like Marathwada, Rayalaseema, Bihar, and Northeast India are still facing rain deficits. The episode also explores rainfall prospects for early July, the potential slowdown after July 11, and the possibility of a "Break in Monsoon" due to the northward shift of the trough line.