The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Friday that the southwest monsoon has advanced into the remaining parts of the Bay of Bengal, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim. The monsoon has also set in over Kerala in southern India today.
“Conditions are favorable for the southwest monsoon to advance further into additional parts of the central Arabian Sea, the remaining parts of the south Arabian Sea, the Lakshadweep area, Kerala, parts of Karnataka, more parts of Tamil Nadu, and the Southwest Bay of Bengal over the next three days,” the IMD stated.
This year, the southwest monsoon arrived early, making its entry on Thursday, two days ahead of schedule. It has set in over Kerala and Mahe and progressed into most parts of northeast India, including Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and most parts of Tripura, Meghalaya, and Assam.
According to the IMD, the monsoon typically sets in over Kerala on June 1 and advances over most of northeast India by June 5. In recent days, widespread rains preceded the monsoon’s arrival in these states.
Usually, after entering Kerala and reaching the northeast, the monsoon gradually progresses through the country, reaching the northernmost parts between late June and early July.
The four-month monsoon season, starting in June, is crucial for much of the country, especially for rural areas reliant on agriculture. It provides three-quarters of India’s annual rainfall, essential for watering crops, filling reservoirs, and boosting farm incomes and consumer demand.
The IMD has forecast above-normal rains at 106% of the 50-year long-period average (LPA) this year. The rains are expected to be above normal in most rain-fed farming areas, according to an updated forecast earlier this week. The IMD has attributed a 61% probability to above normal (105-110% of LPA) and excess rains (over 110% of LPA), which could increase the risk of floods in some parts of the country.
