The southwest monsoon has made an early landfall over Kerala, arriving on May 27 — five days ahead of its usual June 1 onset date — bringing widespread relief to the agricultural sector and water-stressed regions across the country.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast above-normal rainfall at 108% of the long-period average for the June-September season. "All indicators suggest a robust monsoon this year," said IMD Director General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.
The early arrival is attributed to favorable La Nina conditions in the Pacific Ocean and warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean. Farmers across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh have already begun kharif sowing operations.
However, IMD has also warned of the possibility of extreme rainfall events in the Western Ghats and northeastern states, urging state disaster management authorities to remain on alert.
