The monsoon has arrived in Kerala two days ahead of schedule and has also advanced into most parts of Northeast India, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Weather scientists suggest that cyclone Remal, which recently swept through West Bengal and Bangladesh, may have redirected the monsoonal flow towards the Bay of Bengal, contributing to the early onset over the northeast.
The IMD bulletin stated, “Southwest monsoon has set in over Kerala and advanced into most parts of Northeast India today, May 30, 2024.”
Kerala has experienced heavy rains over the past few days, resulting in a surplus of May rainfall, as reported by the weather office.
The IMD had earlier predicted the monsoon onset over Kerala by May 31, with the usual start date being June 1. For states like Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, and Assam, the typical onset date is June 5.
The onset of the monsoon in Kerala marks the beginning of India’s southwest monsoon season, which runs from June to September and accounts for over 70 percent of the country’s annual rainfall. This period is crucial for India’s economy and agriculture.
The IMD’s announcement of the monsoon onset is based on specific criteria, including consistent rainfall across designated areas, its intensity, and prevailing wind patterns. The official declaration is made if at least 60 percent of the 14 designated stations, such as Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, record 2.5 mm or more rainfall for two consecutive days after May 10.
The IMD also forecasts that the central monsoon region of India will likely experience above-average rainfall this season, expressing confidence in their predictions.
