Southwest Monsoon Arrives in Kerala, Bringing Widespread Rainfall and Thunderstorms
The southwest monsoon has officially arrived in Kerala, bringing widespread rainfall and thunderstorms to southern India. The India Meteorological Department forecasts significant rain across several states, including Kerala and Coastal Karnataka, while Delhi and surrounding regions also brace for unsettled weather. The monsoon's progress is crucial for agriculture and water resources across the nation.
The much-awaited southwest monsoon is set to make its onset over Kerala today, marking the official beginning of India's four-month rainy season. The arrival of the monsoon comes amid widespread rainfall activity across several parts of the country, while Delhi and surrounding regions are also expected to experience thunderstorms, rain and strong winds.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), weather systems influencing the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and other regions are creating favorable conditions for rainfall across southern, northeastern, eastern and northwestern India over the coming days.
Southwest Monsoon Arrives in Kerala
The onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala is one of the most significant weather events of the year, as it signals the start of the rainy season that is crucial for agriculture, water reservoirs and overall economic activity.
After advancing steadily over parts of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, the monsoon has reached Kerala and is expected to progress further into other parts of southern India in the coming days.
The development is expected to bring widespread rainfall to Kerala and neighboring regions, providing relief from pre-monsoon heat and replenishing water resources.
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Heavy Rain Alert for Kerala and Coastal Karnataka
With the monsoon making landfall, Kerala is expected to witness widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.
The IMD has forecast isolated very heavy rainfall over Kerala and Mahe through June 9. Coastal Karnataka is also likely to receive heavy rainfall over the next several days.
Other southern states expected to experience significant rainfall include:
Karnataka
Tamil Nadu
Puducherry
Lakshadweep
Telangana
Andhra Pradesh
Strong winds reaching 40-60 kmph may accompany thunderstorms in several areas.
Yellow Alert Issued for Multiple Kerala Districts
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for several districts in Kerala and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, warning of isolated heavy rainfall over the next few days.
On June 4, heavy rain is likely in Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod, while Lakshadweep is also expected to witness similar weather conditions.
For June 5, the yellow alert has been extended to Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam, with forecasts indicating heavy rainfall at isolated locations. Lakshadweep will continue to remain under alert.
By June 6, the warning covers a wider area, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad, along with Lakshadweep, where isolated spells of heavy rain are expected.
Delhi Weather Today: IMD Forecasts Rain, Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds
Delhi residents are likely to experience another day of unsettled weather, with the IMD forecasting thunderstorms, lightning and light rainfall accompanied by gusty winds.
According to the latest forecast, very light to light rain along with thunderstorms and winds reaching 40-50 kmph may occur in parts of the national capital during the afternoon and evening hours. The weather activity is expected to keep temperatures in check and provide relief from intense heat.
The IMD has also issued a yellow alert for Delhi and adjoining NCR regions, warning of rain and strong winds over the next two days. Similar weather conditions are expected over Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh.
Northeast India Braces for Heavy Rainfall
Northeastern states are likely to remain among the wettest regions in the country over the next week. Fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is expected across:
Arunachal Pradesh
Assam
Meghalaya
Nagaland
Manipur
Mizoram
Tripura
The IMD has warned of isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall, particularly over Assam and Meghalaya later this week. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert for localized flooding and waterlogging.
Rainfall Activity to Continue in Eastern India
Several eastern states are expected to witness thunderstorms and rain during the next few days. Weather conditions are likely to remain active over:
West Bengal
Sikkim
Odisha
Jharkhand
Bihar
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Heavy rainfall is forecast over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, while thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds are likely across Odisha and Jharkhand.
Northwest India Under Thunderstorm Watch
Weather activity is also expected across the Himalayan region and parts of northwest India. Rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds are likely over:
Jammu and Kashmir
Himachal Pradesh
Uttarakhand
Punjab
Haryana
Rajasthan
Uttar Pradesh
The IMD has also predicted isolated hailstorm activity over parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan. Heavy rainfall is likely over Uttarakhand today. Dust storm activity may occur in western Rajasthan.
Central and Western India to Receive Rain
Parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha are expected to witness scattered rainfall and thunderstorms over the next few days.
Meanwhile, western states including Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat are likely to experience rain accompanied by lightning and gusty winds.
Heavy rainfall is forecast over:
Konkan and Goa
Madhya Maharashtra
The rainfall is expected to intensify further as the monsoon advances northward.
What the Monsoon Onset Means for India
The arrival of the southwest monsoon over Kerala is closely watched every year because it determines the pace of rainfall distribution across the country.
A timely monsoon is critical for:
Kharif crop sowing
Agricultural output
Reservoir levels
Drinking water supply
Rural economy
With the monsoon now beginning its journey across the Indian mainland, meteorologists will closely track its progress toward central, eastern and northern India over the coming weeks.
