Southwest monsoon hits Kerala on May 24, its earliest onset since 2009, bringing relief and challenges across India
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), May 25: India’s eagerly awaited southwest monsoon arrived in Kerala on Saturday, eight days ahead of schedule, marking the earliest onset since 2009, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The IMD confirmed the monsoon’s advancement into the remaining parts of the south Arabian Sea, west-central and east-central Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, Kerala, parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, the Maldives, and the Comorin area. It has also reached several northeastern states and parts of West Bengal and Sikkim, setting the stage for widespread rainfall.
“Monsoon onset took place today, 24th May, and it is much ahead of its schedule,” said IMD Scientist Neetha K Gopal. “Normally, the standard monsoon arrival date in Kerala is 1st June, but the official forecast was 27th May ±4 days, and the forecast has come true.”
The IMD has indicated favourable conditions for further advancement in the next 2-3 days, covering more parts of central Arabian Sea, Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and the northeastern states.
A Boost for Agriculture, but a Call for Caution
A robust monsoon is vital for India’s agriculture-dependent economy, impacting millions of farmers and rural livelihoods. Initiatives like the Monsoon Mission and high-performance weather forecasting have proven invaluable in recent years, enabling improved crop yields and better disaster preparedness.
However, the heavy rainfall also brings challenges. In Kerala, red alerts were issued for Kasaragod and Kannur districts today, with orange alerts across much of the state. On May 25, the red alert extends to Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. By May 26, a broader swath of the state, including Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Ernakulam, will be under red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, the IMD noted the presence of a depression over south Konkan coast, expected to weaken as it moves eastward across Maharashtra and North Interior Karnataka. “It is very likely to continue to move nearly eastwards… and weaken gradually into a well-marked low-pressure area during the next 12 hours,” the IMD stated on X.
Elsewhere, coastal regions and the Western Ghats are already experiencing heavy rainfall. Parts of coastal Maharashtra, Odisha, Bihar, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu have reported heavy downpours, with damage to crops like bananas and papaya possible.
Preparedness in Full Swing
In Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris district, a 30-member NDRF team has been deployed, with the district administration halting boating activities and urging residents to avoid venturing out unless necessary.
“For the next two days, we have a red alert in the Nilgiris district,” said District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru. “People here are requested to follow precautions… all boating activities have been stopped and may remain halted for the next two days.”
As India transitions into the monsoon season, the early onset brings both relief and the need for caution. The IMD continues to monitor the situation, with updates expected on the performance of the monsoon and its implications for the northeast monsoon.