Monsoon In India: As Heatwave Burns Delhi, Kerala And Northeast Usher In Rains And Hope For Relief

Even ahead of the monsoon, several parts of Kerala have already been experiencing substantial rainfall over the past two weeks.

The arrival of the monsoon is crucial for India's agricultural sector as 52 percent of the net cultivated area in the country relies on monsoon rains. (File Photo) ( Image Source :PTI )

Southwest Monsoon has set in over Kerala and advanced into most parts of Northeast India today, May 30, 2024, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD had earlier predicted that the Southwest Monsoon would hit Kerala on May 31. This arrival coincides with the weather agency issuing an 'orange alert' for Delhi, downgraded from a previous 'red alert'.

According to the IMD, due to western disturbances on May 31 and June 1, there is a possibility of thunderstorms and lightning in Delhi-NCR and the entire Northwest region giving a respite from the summer heat.

Monsoon Arrives In Kerala

In Kerala, even ahead of the monsoon onset in India, several areas of the state have already been experiencing substantial rainfall over the past two weeks. On Wednesday, several regions in Kerala also received moderate rain.

Southwest Monsoon has set in over Kerala and advanced into most parts of Northeast India today, the 30th May, 2024.

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) May 30, 2024

 

WATCH: Rain lashes several parts of Kottayam district

#WATCH | Kerala: Rain lashes several parts of Kottayam district

As per IMD, Southwest Monsoon has set in over Kerala and advanced into most parts of Northeast India today, 30th May. pic.twitter.com/0ersoKXonI

— ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2024

IMD has officially declared the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala, marking a significant event for the agricultural calendar of India. This declaration is based on specific meteorological criteria being met. These include the receipt of 2.5 mm or more rainfall for two consecutive days over 14 stations in Kerala and its neighboring areas anytime after May 10. Additionally, the Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) must be low, and the direction of the winds should be south-westerly.

The arrival of the monsoon is crucial for India's agricultural sector, as 52 percent of the net cultivated area in the country relies on monsoon rains. These rains are not only vital for crop production but also for replenishing reservoirs that supply drinking water and are essential for power generation across the country.

Monsoon In India

Delhi residents may expect the arrival of the monsoon by the end of June, as indicated by the IMD long-range forecast. The IMD's projections suggested that the monsoon should reach Delhi between June 25 and 30. However, as of now, there has been no official confirmation from weather officials regarding the exact date of the monsoon's arrival in the capital.

The monsoon's timely arrival is crucial for Delhi, as it brings relief from the scorching summer heat and replenishes water reservoirs across the region.

In recent weather developments, on Wednesday, Delhi recorded its highest heat index of the season, reaching 55.4 degrees Celsius, notably surpassing the actual temperature of 43.4 degrees. On Thursday, the IMD forecast for Delhi and the NCR region indicated a "partly cloudy sky" with "heatwave conditions" at a few places. There was also a possibility of "thunderstorm/duststorm" with "very light rain/drizzle" accompanied by "gusty winds" with speeds ranging from 25 to 35 kilometers per hour.

Additionally, the IMD has announced that the monsoon is expected to reach Karnataka between June 3 and 8, followed by Maharashtra from June 9 to 16.

 

In a notable occurrence, in the year 2023, the monsoon arrived simultaneously in both Delhi and Mumbai.