IMD Monsoon Update: Southwest Monsoon Advances, Goa And Maharashtra Next In Line

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday confirmed that the Southwest Monsoon has advanced further over several parts of the country, covering Kerala, Mahe, Lakshadweep, parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, while conditions remain favourable for its continued progress over additional regions in the coming days.

According to the IMD, the monsoon has now advanced into the remaining parts of the Southwest and Southeast Arabian Sea, sections of the west-central and east-central Arabian Sea, the entire Lakshadweep region, Kerala and Mahe, parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and additional areas of the Bay of Bengal.

The weather agency said the Northern Limit of Monsoon (NLM) currently passes through Mangaluru, Udhagamandalam, Kodaikanal and Thoothukudi, indicating the extent of the monsoon's advance as of June 4.

More Areas Likely To Receive Monsoon Rain

The IMD has forecast favourable conditions for the monsoon to advance further into more parts of the central Arabian Sea, the entire state of Goa, parts of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, additional regions of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and some northeastern states over the next two to three days.

This progression is expected to bring widespread rainfall to several regions that have been waiting for the arrival of the rainy season.

Monsoon Reaches Kerala Three Days Late

The official onset of the Southwest Monsoon over Kerala was declared on June 4, three days later than the normal onset date of June 1.

Earlier forecasts had suggested a possible onset around May 26, but changing atmospheric conditions delayed its arrival. Meteorologists had subsequently revised their forecast, indicating that the monsoon would likely reach Kerala during the first week of June.

What Led To The Monsoon Onset?

According to the IMD, all key meteorological parameters required for declaring the onset of the monsoon over Kerala were satisfied.

During the past two days, convective cloud activity increased significantly over the Southeast Arabian Sea. The depth of westerly winds extended up to 4.5 kilometres above mean sea level, while wind speeds in the lower atmosphere reached around 20 to 25 knots.

The state also recorded widespread rainfall, including isolated spells of heavy rain, over the last two days.

These conditions collectively indicated the establishment of a sustained monsoon circulation pattern, prompting the IMD to officially declare the onset of the Southwest Monsoon over Kerala.

Why The Southwest Monsoon Matters

The Southwest Monsoon is India's primary rainy season and contributes nearly 80 per cent of the country's annual rainfall. Its arrival is closely monitored because it plays a crucial role in agriculture, water availability, power generation and the overall economy.

A timely and well-distributed monsoon helps support the cultivation of major kharif crops such as rice, pulses, cotton and sugarcane, while also replenishing reservoirs and groundwater levels across the country.

With the monsoon now officially underway and advancing steadily, weather experts expect rainfall activity to increase across several parts of western, southern and northeastern India in the coming days.