Monsoon in India: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday confirmed the arrival of the southwest monsoon in Kerala, marking its earliest onset over the Indian mainland since 2009. The monsoon usually arrives by June 1, but this year it reached Kerala on May 25, making it one of the fastest arrivals in recent times.
According to the data of IMD since 1975, the last time the monsoon came this early was in 2009, and the earliest onset on record remains May 19, 1990. Last year, the monsoon came to Kerala on May 30, in 2023 it came late June 8.
Despite the early onset, IMD experts warn against assuming early rains in Kerala mean quicker coverage elsewhere. The IMD official explained, “the onset date in Kerala doesn’t necessarily determine the monsoon’s spread across the country”. He mentioned the impact of large-scale weather patterns and global climate change.
Above normal rainfall predicted
Earlier this year, the IMD has predicted above normal rainfall for the 2025 season and has dismissed El Nino conditions, which usually results in weaker monsoons in India. A rainfall is termed as ‘normal’ when it lies between 96% and 104% of the 50-year average (87 cm).
In 2024, India experienced 108% of normal rainfall 2024, which was recorded as the highest since 2020. On the contrary, 2023 witnessed below-normal showers at just 94.4% of the average.
The monsoon is crucial for India’s economy, particularly agriculture, which employs more than 42% of the population and provides 18.2% of GDP. It also plays an important role in refilling the reservoirs, which are utilised for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power. With an early arrival and along with a positive outlook, all eyes are on how the monsoon spreads across the country.
Heatwave to prevail in Rajasthan
Meanwhile, Rajasthan is expected to experience intense heatwave conditions for the next five days, as per the Weather Department notification. Multiple parts of the state have recorded soaring temperatures varying between 44 degrees Celsius to 48 degrees Celsius, resulting in worsening dryness across the region. The IMD also informed that Jaisalmer recorded the highest temperatures at 48 degrees celsius, whereas heatwave conditions continue in Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaipur.