Kerala Weather Alert: Monsoon Reaches Kerala 8 Days Early

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced the arrival of the southwest monsoon in Kerala on May 24, 2025, a notable advancement from the usual onset date of June 1. This occurrence marks the earliest arrival of the monsoon on the Indian mainland since 2009, surpassing previous years' onset dates which varied, highlighting the monsoon's variable nature. For instance, in 2023, the monsoon commenced on June 8, whereas, in 2020, it started on June 1. This variability underscores the complexity of predicting the monsoon's progression across the country.

The IMD's statement, "Southwest Monsoon has set in over Kerala today, the 24th May, 2025, against the normal date of 1st June. Thus, southwest monsoon has set in over Kerala 8 days before the normal date," emphasizes the early onset of the monsoon. Despite the early arrival, meteorologists caution that the onset date does not necessarily correlate with the total rainfall expected across India during the monsoon season. This highlights the influence of global, regional, and local factors on the monsoon's behavior, making its prediction challenging.

In April, the IMD forecasted above-average rainfall for the 2025 monsoon season, dismissing concerns over El Nino conditions, which typically result in reduced rainfall in the Indian subcontinent. This prediction suggests a positive outlook for the upcoming monsoon season, despite the inherent unpredictability of the monsoon's patterns.

Turning our attention to the national capital, Delhi experienced cooler temperatures with a minimum of 28.4 degrees Celsius, 1.7 degrees below the seasonal average. The IMD predicted thunderstorms accompanied by rain for the weekend, with temperatures expected to hover around 37 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity in the capital was recorded at 62 percent in the morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 120, classified as "moderate." This AQI classification indicates the air quality levels ranging from 'good' to 'severe,' providing residents with an understanding of the environmental conditions.