The monsoon has now arrived in Kerala, marking the earliest landing in mainland India in the last 16 years. This year, the monsoon made its way to Kerala eight days ahead of its scheduled time. The Indian Meteorological Department has provided this information. Previously, the state saw such an early arrival in 2009 and 2001 when the monsoon reached on May 23. The regular date for the monsoon to arrive in Kerala is typically June 1. However, back in 1918, the monsoon hit Kerala as early as May 11, the earliest recorded instance in the region's history.
On the flip side, the record for the latest monsoon onset in Kerala was noted in 1972 when the rains commenced on June 18. Over the past 25 years, 2016 saw the most delayed arrival, with the monsoon reaching Kerala on June 9. Given the monsoon's arrival, the IMD has issued a red alert for several districts in Kerala, projecting rainfall exceeding 20 cm within the next 24 hours. An orange alert has been declared in other districts, where rainfall between 11 cm to 20 cm is anticipated. The IMD has also issued a yellow alert for regions at risk of heavy rainfall ranging from 6 cm to 11 cm.
In Related News: Delhi Government Prepares for Monsoon
Forecast for Thunderstorms in Delhi-NCR
After experiencing overnight heavy rain and thunderstorms, the IMD predicts that Delhi will have partly cloudy skies, with a likelihood of storms and rain on Saturday. The IMD stated, 'Around May 25 and 26, there will be partly cloudy conditions with possible thunderstorms in Delhi and surrounding areas. Showers or thunderstorms are likely on May 27.' Earlier, on the evening of May 21, a severe storm struck Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, and Ghaziabad, with winds gusting at 70 km/h accompanied by hail and rain.
Mumbai Receives Orange Alert, Very Heavy Rain Forecasted
A low-pressure area has formed near south Konkan, off the Goa coast, and over the east-central Arabian Sea. As a result, the IMD has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in the Konkan region over the next three days. According to the IMD statement, 'A red alert has been issued for Raigad and Ratnagiri districts anticipating extremely heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, an orange alert has been released for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Sindhudurg, as well as Pune and Satara, warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds.' The IMD has sounded an orange alert for Mumbai, predicting heavy to very heavy rain with thunderstorms and winds reaching speeds of 50 to 60 km/h.
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Early Monsoon Arrival Benefits Agriculture
An early monsoon arrival generally evokes positive sentiments across all sectors, especially in agriculture, which serves as the backbone of India's rural economy. Timely rains improve groundwater levels, fill reservoirs, and support early sowing of kharif crops like rice, pulses, oilseeds, cotton, and vegetables—vital for food security and rural incomes. However, weather experts have cautioned that while the monsoon's onset is encouraging, its actual impact will depend on its progression and consistency across the country over the coming weeks.
Also Read: Bangalore Faces Flooding After Long Dry Spell
Uniform Monsoon Distribution Crucial Nationwide
For a successful kharif season, it’s essential that the monsoon spreads uniformly and provides consistent rainfall across the country. Uneven rainfall or prolonged dry spells could negate the benefits of an early monsoon start. If the monsoon maintains its pace and spreads evenly across central and northern India by mid-July—a typical scenario—it will boost agricultural production, help control inflation, and foster economic growth.
