When Is Monsoon Arriving In Kerala? Here's What IMD Says

If the southwest monsoon arrives as projected, it would be the earliest start to the rainy season over mainland India since 2009, when it began on May 23.

Normally, the southwest monsoon sets in over Kerala by June 1 and gradually spreads across the country, typically covering all regions by July 8

Source : ABPLIVE AI

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Sunday that the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Kerala on May 27, marking an early onset ahead of the usual June 1 arrival date. If the monsoon arrives as projected, it would be the earliest start to the rainy season over mainland India since 2009, when it began on May 23.

Southwest Monsoon On May 27

Normally, the southwest monsoon sets in over Kerala by June 1 and gradually spreads across the country, typically covering all regions by July 8, as per a report on PTI. It begins withdrawing from northwestern India around mid-September and completely retreats by October 15.

Earlier in April, the IMD predicted that India would receive above-average rainfall during the 2025 monsoon season. Officials ruled out El Niño conditions—often linked with deficient rainfall in the region—and forecast cumulative rainfall at around 105% of the long-period average of 87 cm, with a margin of error of 5%.

"India is likely to see above-normal rainfall in the four-month monsoon season (June to September), with cumulative rainfall estimated at 105 per cent (with a model error of 5 per cent) of the long-period average of 87 cm," M Ravichandran, secretary in the Earth Sciences Ministry, said as per the agency.

Yellow Alert In Kerala 

Meanwhile, the IMD has issued a yellow alert in Kerala for May 10 and 11. Daytime temperatures are expected to climb to around 38°C in parts of Thrissur, and up to 37°C in Kottayam, Kollam, and Palakkad. Other districts including Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod may see highs around 36°C, as per the weather department. The forecast warns of hot and humid conditions in lowland areas across the state, though hilly regions may be less affected.

Till May 16, IMD predicted, "Rain or thundershower is most likely to occur at a few places in Lakshadweep and at one or two places in Kerala"