Monsoon Arrives in Kerala and Northeast Simultaneously

India is witnessing a rare weather event this year with the monsoon arriving in Kerala and most parts of the northeast simultaneously. This unusual occurrence, last seen in 2017, is attributed to Cyclone Remal, which formed in the Bay of Bengal just before the monsoon season. In 2017, a similar scenario played out with Cyclone Mora.

South West Monsoon expected to hit #Kerala.

IMD says #Monsoon can advance over some parts of North-Eastern states.@Indiametdept pic.twitter.com/wbUo3kylTq

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) May 30, 2024

Monsoon Onset and Progress
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced that the Southwest Monsoon has officially set in over Kerala and advanced into the northeastern states, covering Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and most parts of Tripura, Meghalaya, and Assam. Typically, the monsoon reaches Kerala on June 1 and the northeast by June 5. However, this year, it arrived in Kerala on May 30, a day earlier than predicted.

IMD Director General M Mohapatra stated, “As of today, the southwest monsoon has reached Kerala and covered most parts of the state. It has also covered some parts of Tamil Nadu and most of the northeastern states.”

Above-Normal Monsoon Predicted
The IMD forecasts an above-normal monsoon this year. For reference, normal rainfall is defined as between 96% and 104% of the 50-year average of 87 cm for the June-September monsoon season. The monsoon is crucial for India, accounting for over 70% of the annual rainfall and serving as the primary source of irrigation for nearly half of the country’s farmland. It is also vital for drinking water supplies across large regions of the country.

Impact on Different Regions
While Kerala and the northeast are experiencing early monsoon rains, Delhi and other northern regions, currently enduring record-high temperatures, will have to wait until the end of June for relief. The IMD expects the monsoon to reach Mumbai by June 8.

Regarding the ongoing heatwave, the IMD chief added, “The monsoon has set in over Kerala two days early and will reach Mumbai on June 8. The weather patterns and monsoonal features suggest a strong continuation of this spell.”

This year’s early and simultaneous arrival of the monsoon in Kerala and the northeast is a significant and rare event, bringing much-needed relief and hope for a prosperous season ahead.

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