When Will Monsoon Arrive In Kerala? IMD Says Conditions Favourable Despite Delay In Onset

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier forecast that the southwest monsoon would arrive in Kerala on May 26, five days ahead of its usual onset date of June 1. However, the monsoon did not make landfall as expected, and the day remained largely sunny instead of witnessing widespread rainfall.

Despite the delay, Kerala continues to brace for heavy rain, with the weather department placing the entire state under a 'yellow alert' till May 28. In a forecast bulletin issued on Tuesday, the IMD predicted widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across Kerala, Mahe, and Lakshadweep between May 26 and 29. The department also said that conditions remain favourable for the southwest monsoon to advance into parts of the Arabian Sea, the Comorin region, the Bay of Bengal, and the Andaman Sea.

When Will The Monsoon Arrive In Kerala?

The monsoon is officially declared over Kerala only when at least 60% of rain gauges across the weather stations in Kerala and Lakshadweep record a minimum of 2.5 mm rainfall. At present, westerly winds over north Kerala remain weak, and meteorologists say it could take another day or two for them to strengthen enough for the monsoon onset.

However, weather experts maintain that most atmospheric conditions are currently favourable for the arrival of the monsoon. They believe the ongoing drizzle and thunderstorms across Kerala are early signs of the seasonal transition, as such weather patterns are commonly observed before the monsoon sets in.

Preparations For Monsoon Season In Kerala

On May 26, yellow alerts were issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam districts. The warnings will continue on May 27 for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha, while on May 28, alerts have been extended to Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki.

The IMD has warned that heavy rainfall could lead to waterlogging on major roads, resulting in traffic congestion. Flooding is also likely in low-lying areas and near riverbanks. Authorities have cautioned that strong winds may uproot trees and damage power infrastructure, while partial damage to houses and huts is also possible. The department has additionally warned of landslides and landslips in vulnerable regions and advised people to avoid non-essential travel and remain in safe locations.

Meanwhile, Health Minister K Muraleedharan chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday to review the progress of pre-monsoon preventive measures. During the meeting, the minister directed officials to intensify health and safety preparedness activities ahead of the monsoon season.

Weather Forecast For Other States

The IMD bulletin stated that isolated places in Tamil Nadu, Interior Karnataka, North Interior Karnataka, Telangana, Rayalaseema, and Coastal Andhra Pradesh are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall during the same period as Kerala, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds. Coastal Maharashtra and Goa are also expected to witness similar weather conditions between May 26 and 28, while Madhya Maharashtra may experience rainfall activity on May 27 and 28.