IMD Projects Monsoon Onset In Kerala Within 2–3 Days, Maharashtra Sees Pre-Season Rains

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has projected that the southwest monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala within the next two to three days, while simultaneously warning of widespread pre-monsoon and monsoon-related weather activity across several parts of India, including heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hailstorms and gusty winds over the coming week. According to the IMD, current atmospheric and oceanic conditions over the Indian Ocean and adjoining regions have become favourable for the rapid advance of the monsoon into the southern peninsula.

Once it reaches Kerala, the monsoon is expected to further progress into adjoining regions, including parts of the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu and the Bay of Bengal, marking the beginning of the seasonal rainfall cycle over the country. The weather agency has forecast very heavy rainfall over Kerala and Mahe between June 3 and June 7, with the possibility of intense downpours in isolated pockets. These conditions raise the risk of localised flooding, waterlogging and disruptions in low-lying and coastal areas, especially where drainage systems are already under stress due to pre-monsoon showers.

In addition to Kerala, isolated heavy rainfall is expected over Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Lakshadweep during the same period. The IMD has also indicated that thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and gusty winds may intensify over parts of South Peninsular India as moisture-laden winds strengthen ahead of the monsoon’s full onset.

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In the northeastern region, the IMD has issued warnings for sustained heavy rainfall over multiple states. Arunachal Pradesh is likely to experience heavy showers between June 1 and June 7, while Assam and Meghalaya are expected to see significant rainfall activity from June 4 to June 7. States including Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura may also witness spells of heavy rain on specific days within the forecast period, increasing the risk of landslides and road disruptions in hilly terrain.

Meanwhile, parts of Maharashtra are expected to see intensified pre-monsoon activity this week, with thunderstorms and intermittent rainfall likely across several districts. The IMD has attributed this to strengthening moisture inflow from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, which is creating unstable atmospheric conditions over central and western India.

The IMD has also highlighted the possibility of hailstorms and isolated severe thunderstorms in some regions, urging caution in rural and semi-urban areas where crops and infrastructure may be vulnerable. Farmers have been advised to take precautionary measures to protect standing crops from damage caused by sudden heavy rain or wind events.

Meteorologists note that the early phase of the monsoon season is often marked by uneven rainfall distribution and rapidly changing weather patterns, particularly along the western coast and northeastern belt. This year’s onset appears to be aligning closely with the climatological average, though regional variations remain possible. Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable districts to remain alert and follow weather updates closely, particularly in areas prone to flooding, landslides and lightning strikes. Disaster management teams in several states have been placed on standby as precautionary measures ahead of the expected monsoon advancement.

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