Southwest monsoon arrives in Kerala after four-day delay; heavy rain lashes several districts
Southwest monsoon over Kerala: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday officially announced the arrival of the southwest monsoon over Kerala, signalling the beginning of the country's annual rainy season. The onset came four days later than the normal date of June 1, ending days of uncertainty over the monsoon's progress.
The weather department had earlier indicated that atmospheric conditions were becoming favourable for the monsoon's advancement into Kerala and nearby regions. Following sustained rainfall activity and improved weather parameters, the IMD confirmed the onset on June 4.
The declaration follows a revised forecast by the weather agency. In May, the IMD had initially projected an early arrival around May 26. However, changes in weather patterns slowed the system's movement over the Arabian Sea, prompting the department to push back its expected arrival date to June 4.
Heavy rainfall across Kerala
With the monsoon now firmly established, several parts of Kerala have been witnessing intense rainfall. The state, which traditionally receives the first monsoon showers in the country, continued to experience heavy rain on Thursday.
Meteorologists had been closely observing rainfall distribution, wind patterns and cloud formation over the region before making the official announcement. According to weather officials, the required conditions for declaring the onset of the monsoon had been met after widespread rainfall activity became consistent across the state.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts, warning residents of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds. Surface wind speeds may reach up to 40 kmph in some areas, the department said.
Following the monsoon's arrival in Kerala, attention is now focused on its movement towards other parts of the country, especially northern states that have been grappling with prolonged heatwave conditions.
Typically, the southwest monsoon advances rapidly along the western coast and covers most parts of the Northeast during June. It generally reaches central India, including Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, by the middle of the month before progressing further north.
Delhi usually receives its first monsoon showers around June 27. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh are generally covered by the monsoon either by the end of June or during the first week of July.
Weather experts believe that if prevailing conditions remain supportive, the seasonal rains could spread across large parts of north India by early July, bringing much-needed relief from soaring temperatures.
- With inputs from agencies
