The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday officially announced the onset of the Southwest Monsoon over Kerala, marking the beginning of the country's primary rainy season. The monsoon arrived three days later than its normal onset date of June 1 and is expected to bring widespread rainfall across several regions in the coming days.

According to the IMD, the Southwest Monsoon has advanced over Kerala and Mahe, the entire Lakshadweep region, and parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The weather system has also progressed over large areas of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, creating favorable conditions for further advancement across southern and northeastern India.

The weather department has forecast isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over Kerala and Karnataka during the next week. Tamil Nadu is also likely to experience isolated spells of heavy rainfall. In addition to rainfall, thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds are expected in several areas, prompting authorities and residents to remain alert to changing weather conditions.

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The IMD stated that conditions remain favorable for the monsoon to advance further into Goa, parts of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and the remaining areas of Tamil Nadu over the next few days. The continued progression of the monsoon is expected to bring relief from summer heat and support agricultural activities in many regions.

Meanwhile, northeastern states are expected to remain under the influence of active monsoon conditions, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely to continue for the next five to six days. The IMD has advised people in affected regions to monitor weather updates and take necessary precautions, particularly in areas prone to waterlogging, flooding, and disruptions caused by intense rainfall.

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