Kerala: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that the southwest monsoon is likely to make its onset over Kerala on June 4, marking the official start of India’s 2026 rainy season after a brief delay.
The weather agency has forecast widespread rainfall across southern India over the next week, with Kerala expected to receive the heaviest showers.
According to the IMD, isolated areas in Kerala may witness heavy to very heavy rainfall of 7 cm to 20 cm during the next six to seven days. Parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are also likely to experience heavy rainfall as moisture-laden monsoon winds strengthen over the Arabian Sea and advance northward.
The IMD has warned of moderate to severe thunderstorms across northwest, central, eastern and south Peninsular India in the coming days. These may be accompanied by squally winds of 40-50 kmph, posing risks to power lines, temporary structures, agriculture and outdoor activities.
Thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected to continue across Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana, bringing relief from recent heatwave conditions. Similar weather is forecast for Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
The monsoon remains crucial for India’s agriculture, water security, hydropower generation and overall economy. Meteorologists will closely track its advance beyond Kerala into other parts of southern and northeastern India in the coming weeks.
