From Idukki To Wayanad, Nilgiris To Valparai, Heavy Rains To Lash Many South Hill Stations For Next 10 Days

In a significant shift from the norm, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the southwest monsoon will make an early onset over Kerala by May 27, 2025-its earliest arrival since 2009, when it hit the Indian mainland on May 23. Traditionally, the monsoon reaches Kerala around June 1, with a margin of about a week.

Heavy Rains To Lash Many South Hill Stations

This early arrival is expected to bring intense and widespread rainfall across southern states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds over the next few days. Even Central India is likely to experience similar pre-monsoon conditions, breaking the usual dry spell that precedes the rainy season.

Weather expert R. Pradeep John, popularly known as Tamil Nadu Weatherman, flagged a serious heavy rainfall alert for 10 days starting May 23 through June 3. In a social media update, he pointed out the influence of "twin weather systems"-one each in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal-driving this early monsoon surge.

"Very heavy to extreme rainfall is likely over the Western Ghats and adjoining regions," John warned. "Some areas could record over 200 mm of rainfall in 24 hours on certain days."

High-alert zones include:

Idukki, Wayanad, and North Kerala coast

Gudalur-Avalanche belt and Valparai in the Nilgiris

Kodagu, Chikmagalur, Udupi, Shimoga hills, and Uttara Kannada in Karnataka

He urged holidaymakers to exercise caution, especially while travelling to hill stations during this period of intense weather. While the core Western Ghats face high risks, destinations like Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Yelagiri, Sirumalai, Kolli Hills, and Meghamalai are safe to travel to, as per the blogger.

In Chennai, rainfall is expected to taper off temporarily by Friday, while isolated showers may occur in parts of interior Tamil Nadu. The monsoon's surge along the west coast is likely to reduce cloud convergence in the eastern regions. Bengaluru, which recently saw the dissipation of an upper air circulation, is expected to receive light monsoon-like showers driven by cloud systems from the west.

Get Ready For Monsoon

Meanwhile, the IMD has also indicated that overall rainfall for this monsoon season is likely to exceed 104% of the Long Period Average (LPA), offering optimism for the agriculture sector and water management systems.

The early arrival and intensity of the monsoon are being seen as possible indicators of changing climate patterns. With the southwest monsoon being the lifeline of India's agriculture and water supply systems, its timing and distribution remain critical for millions across the subcontinent.