India, June 30 -- Maharashtra has experienced a slow start to the monsoon season, recording a 52% rainfall deficit in June. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data between June 1 and 29, the state received 96.2 mm of rain, falling short of its monthly normal of 199.9 mm.

The monsoon's progress over the state has been marked by delays and prolonged pauses. The southwest monsoon arrived over Kerala on June 4, three days after its normal onset date of June 1. It entered Maharashtra through Sindhudurg on June 6 and advanced up to Ratnagiri and Solapur by June 9. However, its further progress stalled for nearly two weeks due to unfavourable atmospheric conditions, leaving large parts of Maharashtra, including Pune, without sig...