Southwest Monsoon Arrives In India As IMD Declares Onset Over Kerala

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday officially declared the onset of the Southwest Monsoon over Kerala, marking the beginning of India's crucial four-month rainy season.

The arrival of the monsoon over Kerala is a significant annual weather event, as it signals the start of rainfall activity that gradually advances across the country in the coming weeks. The Southwest Monsoon is vital for India's agriculture sector, water reservoirs, hydropower generation and overall economy.

According to the IMD, conditions became favourable for the monsoon's onset over Kerala, leading to its official declaration on June 4. The weather system is expected to continue its northward progression, bringing rainfall to several parts of southern, central and eastern India over the coming days.

The monsoon typically reaches Kerala around June 1, with a normal variation of a few days. This year's onset on June 4 falls within the normal range, meteorologists noted.

The Southwest Monsoon contributes nearly 70 per cent of India's annual rainfall and remains critical for kharif crop cultivation, including rice, pulses, cotton and sugarcane. A timely and well-distributed monsoon is often seen as essential for agricultural productivity and rural incomes.

Following its onset over Kerala, the monsoon is expected to advance further into Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Maharashtra and other regions, depending on prevailing weather conditions.

The IMD is expected to issue regular updates on the monsoon's progress and rainfall forecasts as it continues its journey across the country.

With the official onset now declared, farmers, policymakers and businesses will closely monitor the monsoon's advancement and rainfall distribution in the weeks ahead.