Southwest Monsoon advances into parts of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. IMD predicts Kerala monsoon onset by May 26 with heavy rainfall and thunderstorm alerts across several states.
Southwest Monsoon Advances in Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, Kerala Likely by May 26
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday announced that the Southwest Monsoon has advanced into several parts of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, marking the gradual onset of the country’s annual rainy season. The monsoon has also covered many parts of the Andaman Sea and Andaman Islands, along with the entire Nicobar Islands.
Kerala Expected to Welcome Monsoon Soon
According to the weather department, conditions are becoming favourable for the further advancement of the monsoon, and it is likely to set in over Kerala around May 26. The arrival of the Southwest Monsoon over Kerala officially marks the beginning of the four-month rainy season across the country.
Heavy Rainfall Alert Issued for Several Regions
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Sub-Himalayan regions of West Bengal and Sikkim during the next three to four days. Similar rainfall activity is also expected in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe and South Interior Karnataka.
Thunderstorms Likely in Multiple States
Meanwhile, the weather agency has predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds over several states including Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand over the next two days. Parts of Maharashtra, including Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Konkan and Goa, are also likely to witness thunderstorm activity.
Heatwave Conditions to Persist in Northern and Central India
At the same time, heatwave conditions are expected to continue in parts of central and northern India. The IMD has issued a heatwave warning for Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra for Monday.
Monsoon Crucial for Agriculture and Economy
The Southwest Monsoon is crucial for India’s agriculture sector, as nearly half of the country’s farmland depends on rainfall for irrigation. A timely and well-distributed monsoon is considered essential for crop production, water availability and overall economic stability.
