The India Meteorological Department (IMD) declared the arrival of the southwest monsoon in Kerala today, marking the start of India’s crucial four‑month rainy season.
IMD confirmed that the southwest monsoon met all criteria for onset in Kerala. The rains signal relief from the intense heatwave affecting several states and mark the beginning of the Kharif sowing season. Farmers across India depend on this rainfall, which contributes nearly 75 percent of the country’s annual precipitation.
Kerala received widespread showers as the monsoon advanced into the state. Meteorologists noted favourable conditions over the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Lakshadweep Islands. The arrival sets the stage for the monsoon’s northward progress, expected to reach Odisha and other eastern states in the coming weeks.
Agricultural experts emphasised that timely rainfall will boost sowing activities for rice, pulses, and oilseeds. The southwest monsoon plays a decisive role in India’s food security and economic stability. With El Niño concerns still present, IMD urged close monitoring of rainfall distribution across regions.
The southwest monsoon arrival in Kerala also brings immediate relief to communities struggling with soaring temperatures. Weather officials highlighted that the rains will ease conditions in southern states before spreading further across the country.
