The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Kerala within the next 4-5 days, earlier than its usual onset date of June 1.
If the prediction holds true, this would be the earliest monsoon arrival since 2009, when it reached Kerala on May 23.
The timely onset of monsoon is crucial for India’s agriculture sector, which relies heavily on rainfall for sowing crops. Additionally, the monsoon plays a vital role in replenishing water reservoirs across the country, ensuring an adequate supply for drinking water and hydropower generation.
According to IMD, the monsoon withdrawal phase generally starts in September and completes by mid-October. The department had previously estimated an onset date of May 27 but now expects it even earlier due to favourable atmospheric conditions.
IMD had earlier projected that India would experience above-normal cumulative rainfall this monsoon season, with no indications of an El Niño effect disrupting precipitation patterns. This is a positive sign for agricultural output and water availability.
As Kerala prepares for the first showers of the season, the rest of the country anticipates a smooth monsoon progression, impacting regions progressively in the coming weeks.
