Monsoon Set To Hit Kerala Soon As IMD Warns Of Heavy Rain Across Several States

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued contrasting weather alerts across India, forecasting severe heatwaves in northwestern regions, including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, while predicting heavy rain and thunderstorms for the southern and northeastern states. The southwest monsoon is expected to advance into Kerala on May 26, nearly a week before its usual onset date of June 1, according to the department.

Where has monsoon reached?

The monsoon has nearly arrived over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Bay of Bengal, raising hopes of an early start to the rainy season in several states. the IMD said.

Last year, the monsoon set in over Kerala on May 24, its earliest arrival since 2009. Though the date of arrival does not correlate with the quantum of rainfall, the latter is a cause of concern this year with the IMD and other weather agencies having warned of ‘below normal’ rainfall.

When will monsoon arrive in Kerala?

The southwest monsoon is expected to advance into Kerala on May 26, the India Meteorological Department said. The ‘normal’ date for the monsoon’s advent over the State is June 1. The IMD has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in southern Kerala and yellow alerts for several other districts, signalling an active monsoon onset. 

How is the weather in Uttar Pradesh?

Heatwaves are wreaking havoc in several states, including the capital Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Bihar.

The IMD has issued an alert for heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds up to 70 km/h for the next four to five days due to pre-monsoon activity in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Lakshadweep, and Northeast India. Hailstorms and dust storms are also possible in some parts of the country.

Amid the intense heat, Delhi-NCR is expected to see no relief from the heat for next three days. The department has issued a yellow heatwave alert until May 27. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain unchanged in many parts of northwest India until May 28.

What is the temperature in Rajasthan?

The IMD has indicated that Rajasthan may also receive the monsoon earlier than normal this year. Rainfall is expected to begin in southeastern districts such as Kota, Udaipur, Banswara, Jhalawar, and the Hadoti region between June 15 and 20.

However, western Rajasthan districts like Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, and Jodhpur may have to wait until the first or second week of July for widespread monsoon coverage.