Bhubaneswar: The Southwest Monsoon has finally made its onset over Kerala today, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced.
The seasonal rains reached the southern state on June 4, three days after the normal onset date of June 1. This marks the official beginning of the monsoon season over the Indian mainland for 2026.
According to the IMD, the monsoon has also progressed into several other regions, including the remaining parts of the southwest and southeast Arabian Sea, portions of the west-central and east-central Arabian Sea, the entire Lakshadweep archipelago, Kerala and Mahe, as well as parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It has simultaneously advanced over multiple areas in the Bay of Bengal.
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The weather agency noted that atmospheric conditions are now favourable for further northward and eastward advancement of the monsoon. Over the next two to three days, it is expected to cover Goa, parts of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, additional districts in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and some states in the Northeast.
Explaining the delayed but steady progress, the IMD highlighted that convective cloud activity had intensified significantly over the southeast Arabian Sea in the last two days. Strong westerly winds, extending up to 4.5 km above mean sea level with speeds of 20–25 knots in the lower levels, supported the system.
Kerala experienced widespread rainfall during this period, including isolated spells of heavy showers.
Further updates on the monsoon’s progress will be closely watched in the coming days.