India, June 7 -- The southwest monsoon, which arrived in Kerala three days later than its normal onset date, has entered Maharashtra on schedule, raising hopes that it could reach Delhi around its usual arrival time later this month.

The monsoon reached Kerala on June 4, days later than its normal onset date of June 1 and nearly a week behind the IMD's earlier forecast of May 26. However, it progressed rapidly thereafter, covering large parts of the west coast up to Goa by June 5 before advancing into Maharashtra on June 6.

Delhi is expected to witness hot weather over the next seven days, with maximum temperatures ranging from 36 degrees Celsius to 41 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures between 26 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Ce...