Is This Year’s Monsoon Arriving Earlier Than Ever? IMD Predicts Exciting Weather Changes!

Early Monsoon Predictions for 2023

Thiruvananthapuram: Weather officials have indicated that the southwest monsoon might commence earlier this year than it has since 2010, based on current conditions observed on Wednesday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) states that the typical start date for the monsoon in Kerala, which signals the beginning of the four-month southwest monsoon season across India, is June 1.

As the monsoon winds gain strength, they will progress into other regions of the country throughout June, ultimately covering the entire nation by mid-July.

Previously, the IMD had forecasted that the monsoon could begin around May 27, with a margin of four days.

However, on Tuesday, they suggested that the onset might occur within the next four to five days, potentially marking the earliest start since 2010.

On Wednesday, the IMD confirmed that the necessary criteria for declaring the monsoon's arrival in Kerala have been met.

These criteria include that at least 60% of the 14 designated weather stations must report a minimum of 2.5 mm of rainfall for two consecutive days.

Additionally, the westerly winds must reach a depth of 600 hPa, with zonal wind speeds of 15–20 knots at 925 hPa, and the outgoing long wave radiation value should fall below 200 wm-2 in a specified area.

The IMD has issued warnings for heavy rainfall across several regions, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and more, lasting until May 24.

Fishermen have been advised to refrain from venturing into the sea from Wednesday through Monday along the East-central and Southeast Arabian Sea coasts, as well as the coasts of Kerala, Karnataka, Konkan & Goa, and the adjacent areas of south Gujarat and Lakshadweep.