Kerala Braces for Southwest Monsoon Arrival on June 4, IMD Reports

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that the southwest monsoon is anticipated to make its entrance over Kerala around June 4. This forecast comes after the agency initially projected an earlier onset on May 26, which was later deemed unlikely. On May 29, the IMD revised its estimates, confirming the delay in monsoon conditions for the state.

According to the IMD, current weather conditions are conducive for the monsoon’s advancement into various regions, including parts of the southwest and southeast Arabian Sea, the Lakshadweep Islands, and sections of Tamil Nadu. Furthermore, the monsoon is expected to progress into the Bay of Bengal, especially the southwest, west-central, east-central, and northeastern segments, as well as the remaining areas of the southeast Bay of Bengal by June 4.

In anticipation of the monsoon’s arrival, Kerala can expect isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall, with expected precipitation ranging between 7 to 20 centimeters in the coming week. Similar weather patterns are predicted for certain regions in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, which could also experience significant rainfall during this period.

Historically, the onset of the southwest monsoon in Kerala is a key event, marking the beginning of the rainy season in India. In 2025, the monsoon arrived exceptionally early on May 24, the earliest since 2009. However, the IMD’s current outlook indicates a worrying trend; in April, the department projected a below-normal rainfall of 92% for this monsoon season, a significant forecast given that it marked the first expected shortfall in over a decade.

As Kerala prepares for the monsoon, the potential for heavy rainfall raises concerns about flooding and landslides, especially in vulnerable areas. The state’s government and local agencies are likely to ramp up their readiness to mitigate any adverse impacts that may arise from the upcoming deluge.

Source: scroll.in