New Delhi: The southwest monsoon is expected to hit the Kerala coast earlier than usual this year, arriving on May 27—five days ahead of the typical onset date, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This early arrival has sparked hope and optimism among farmers across the country.
Under normal conditions, the monsoon reaches Kerala around June 1. However, in recent years, delays in its onset have become more common. The IMD now reports that this will be the first time since 2009 that the southwest monsoon will begin ahead of schedule. Back in 2009, the monsoon made landfall in Kerala on May 23.
Despite forecasting a good monsoon season this year, the IMD’s announcement of an early start has brought additional cheer, particularly in the agricultural sector, where timely rains are crucial for sowing and crop planning.
Typically, if the monsoon arrives in Kerala by June 1, it covers the entire country by around July 8. The withdrawal process usually begins from northwest India around September 17 and concludes by October 15.
