The monsoon has arrived in Kerala eight days ahead of schedule, marking its earliest onset in the last 16 years, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Kerala and several southern states have been witnessing heavy rainfall over the past two days due to favourable monsoon conditions and a low-pressure system.
The last time the monsoon arrived this early was in 2009 and 2001, when it reached Kerala on May 23. The normal monsoon onset date for Kerala is June 1. The earliest recorded arrival was on May 11 in 1918, while the most delayed onset occurred in 1972 when monsoon rains began as late as June 18.
Meteorologists predict intense rainfall in Kerala, coastal Karnataka, Goa, and Gujarat over the coming days. The IMD has also issued an orange alert for Delhi-NCR, warning of gusty winds reaching up to 70 kmph. Northern states, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab, may experience thunderstorms and scattered showers.
The monsoon’s early arrival is expected to benefit agricultural activities, particularly in rain-fed regions. However, authorities have cautioned residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant against possible flooding.
