Monsoon onset expected in 3 or 4 days in Kerala: IMD
text_fields
Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the Southwest Monsoon is advancing and is likely to set in over the next three to four days. If the monsoon arrives between May 23 and 27, it would mark the earliest onset in the past 15 years, with the last comparable early arrival occurring in 2009 on May 23.
Reports suggest that the monsoon winds, which typically reach Sri Lanka by May 26, have already moved into the Comorin region. This development points toward an earlier-than-usual arrival in Kerala. The IMD had previously announced that the monsoon had reached the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on May 13, significantly ahead of its usual schedule by 10 days, TNIE reported.
According to a meteorologist from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, the westerly wind flow has already set in along the Kerala coast in the Arabian Sea raising the likelihood of monsoon rains reaching the state by May 23 or 24.
Although monsoon showers may begin, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) adheres to specific criteria before officially declaring the onset. These include rainfall occurring in over 60% of 14 designated stations, the establishment of westerly winds up to a height of 600 hPa, and satellite observations confirming strong atmospheric convection through Outgoing Longwave Radiation.
Meteorological forecasts suggest that strong westerly and northwesterly winds will continue over Kerala for the coming week. The Met department has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall across the state between May 23 and 27.
IMD issues orange alert in four dists
An orange alert has been issued for four districts, while the northern parts of the state continue to receive significant rainfall, influenced by an upper air cyclonic circulation located off the North Karnataka-Goa coast.
Additionally, the IMD has projected the development of a low-pressure system by Thursday, which is expected to move northward and intensify into a depression within 36 hours. Rainfall is likely to become more widespread across the state starting Friday.
The IMD has placed Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Thrissur under an orange alert for Friday, while a yellow alert has been issued for Alappuzha, Kottayam, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. Between May 23 and 25, one or more parts of the state are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, with speeds reaching up to 40–50 km/h.
Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into the sea until May 25 due to rough conditions. Over the past 48 hours, the heaviest rainfall was recorded in Trikaripur, Kasaragod (389 mm), and Pinarayi, Kannur (341 mm), according to data available as of Wednesday morning.
