Rains Rewrite the Calendar: Kerala’s Monsoon Onset Smashes Records

Image Source: The Indian Express

Kerala has welcomed the southwest monsoon eight days ahead of schedule, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirming the earliest onset in the state since 2009. Traditionally expected on June 1, this year’s monsoon made landfall on May 24, setting the stage for a season of vital rainfall across southern India.

Key Highlights:

Historic Early Arrival: The monsoon’s arrival on May 24 marks the earliest onset in Kerala in 16 years, last seen in 2009 and 2001. The IMD attributes this to a combination of a low-pressure system and favorable meteorological conditions over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
Intense Rainfall and Alerts: Torrential rains have already lashed several parts of Kerala, prompting the IMD to issue a red alert for Kannur and Kasaragod districts, with orange and yellow alerts across most other regions. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds (up to 50 kmph), and high waves up to 3.5 meters are forecast through May 29. Tourist spots in affected districts have been closed, and fishing is banned along the Kerala-Karnataka-Lakshadweep coast.
Wider Impact and Caution: While the early onset brings hope for improved reservoir levels and a strong kharif crop season, experts caution that early monsoons do not always guarantee well-distributed rainfall. Past years with early onset, such as 2009, saw uneven rain and even deficits in subsequent months.
National Outlook: The IMD projects an above-normal monsoon for 2025, raising hopes for robust agricultural output and economic growth. However, the formation of twin cyclonic systems could potentially stall the monsoon’s progress in the coming weeks, a phenomenon observed in previous years.

As Kerala embraces the monsoon’s arrival, authorities urge vigilance and preparedness, especially in coastal and high-alert districts, to ensure safety and minimize disruption during this critical weather event.

Sources: Onmanorama, India Today, PTC News, Down to Earth, Moneycontrol