Could Kerala See the Earliest Monsoon in Over a Decade?
Monsoon Onset in Kerala Expected Sooner Than Expected
The Southwest monsoon is predicted to reach Kerala earlier than usual, possibly within the next 4-5 days according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This potential early arrival could make it the earliest monsoon onset over Kerala since 2010.
Typically, the monsoon arrives in Kerala around June 1st, marking the beginning of the four-month-long southwest monsoon season across the country. As the monsoon winds strengthen, they gradually advance across the country, covering the entire nation by mid-July.
Favorable Conditions for Early Onset
An IMD official stated that all oceanic and atmospheric factors are currently aligned to support an early monsoon onset.
Beyond Kerala, the monsoon advance is also anticipated in other regions, including parts of the South Arabian Sea, Maldives, Comorin area, Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, parts of the Bay of Bengal, and some northeastern states, during the same period.
Heavy Rainfall Expected as Low-Pressure Area Forms
Meanwhile, Kerala, Karnataka, and coastal Maharashtra are under a red alert due to the potential development of a low-pressure area off the Karnataka coast around May 22nd.
The IMD predicts the formation of an upper-air circulation off the Karnataka coast by Wednesday, which is expected to intensify into a low-pressure system by May 22nd. This system is anticipated to move northward and further strengthen.
Heavy rainfall is anticipated across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura until May 24th.
