IMD Forecasts Early Monsoon Onset in Kerala on May 26

The India Meteorological Department announced Friday that the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Kerala on May 26, nearly a week ahead of its normal onset date of June 1.

The forecast includes a model error of four days, meaning the monsoon could arrive as early as May 22 or as late as May 30. Last year, the monsoon hit Kerala on May 24. Officials noted that conditions are favorable for the monsoon to advance over parts of the South Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands within the next 24 hours. "This year, the southwest monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala on May 26 with a model error of 4 days," the IMD stated.

The onset over Kerala signals the start of the four-month southwest monsoon season, which runs from June to September and delivers nearly 70 percent of India's annual rainfall. This rainfall is essential for agriculture, the broader economy, reservoir replenishment, and groundwater recharge. As the system progresses northward across the country, it typically brings relief from intense summer heat.

However, the IMD has forecasted below-normal rainfall for the season, with 80 centimeters expected compared to the long-period average of 87...