Southwest Monsoon Arrives in Kerala, Marking Start of Rainy Season

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has officially announced the arrival of the southwest monsoon in Kerala as of Thursday, signaling the commencement of the much-anticipated four-month rainy season across the country. This year’s monsoon has made its appearance three days later than the normal onset date of June 1, which many farmers, fishermen, and citizens eagerly await for its life-giving rains.

Initially, the IMD had forecasted that the monsoon would reach Kerala by May 26. However, on May 29, the department revised its predictions, indicating that the monsoon’s arrival was unlikely to happen within the expected timeframe. Following the adjustments, the IMD updated its forecast on June 4, confirming that the southwest monsoon had indeed advanced into various regions of Kerala, as well as parts of the southwest and southeast Arabian Sea, the entire Lakshadweep archipelago, and portions of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

In addition to its progress in Kerala, the monsoon has also expanded into the remaining areas of the Comorin region, southeast Bay of Bengal, and further into the west-central, east-central, and northeast Bay of Bengal. The IMD has indicated that the conditions are favorable for the monsoon to push into Goa, several parts of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, more regions of Karnataka, and the remaining parts of Tamil Nadu over the next two to three days.

The arrival of the southwest monsoon is crucial for Indian agriculture, as approximately 60% of the country’s farmland relies on rainfall during this season. It is a time of hope for farmers who depend on consistent and adequate rainfall for their crops. The monsoon season generally begins in June and typically starts to recede by September, playing a vital role in the agricultural calendar of India.

As the monsoon continues its journey across the subcontinent, the IMD will monitor its progress closely and provide updates to ensure that the regions impacted are prepared for the weather changes ahead. The arrival of the monsoon is not just a meteorological event; it is a cultural phenomenon that brings a wave of relief and renewal to Indian society.

Source: scroll.in