Monsoon Arrives In Kerala, Parts Of Northeast A Day Ahead Of Forecast

Kochi: The Southwest Monsoon has made its grand entrance, soaking the coast of Kerala and venturing into parts of northeast India from Thursday, according to the Indian Meteorological Department. This year's Monsoon onset is two days earlier as the usual date of the onset was on June 1 and for Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur and Assam it was June 5.

Weather scientists said the cyclone, which ripped through West Bengal and Bangladesh on Sunday, had pulled the monsoonal flow to the Bay of Bengal, which could be one of the reasons for early onset over the northeast. "Southwest monsoon has set in over Kerala and advanced into most parts of northeast India today, the 30th May, 2024," the IMD said.

This year, Kerala witnessed abundant pre-monsoon showers, setting the stage for the arrival of the much-awaited rainy season. The advance of the southwest monsoon over the Indian mainland marks a crucial transition from scorching summer temperatures to much-needed rainfall, especially for the agricultural sector. As the monsoon progresses northward, relief from scorching summer temperatures is experienced over the areas that it tends to cover.

The timely arrival of the monsoon is paramount for India's economy, as nearly 45 per cent of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Kharif crops, which include staples like rice, maize, and soybeans, rely heavily on the monsoon rains for their growth and yield.

The monsoon's progression northward brings relief to regions parched by the summer heat, heralding a period of agricultural activity and prosperity. It is during this season that farmers sow their seeds and nurture their crops, anticipating a bountiful harvest in the months to come.

Despite the looming uncertainty of El Nino conditions, which typically bring weaker monsoon winds and drier conditions to India, forecasts suggest a normal monsoon this year. Both the IMD and private forecasters like Skymet have predicted rainfall levels above the long-period average, offering hope for agricultural productivity and economic stability.

The IMD's meticulous monitoring and forecasting of the monsoon play a pivotal role in guiding farmers, policymakers, and investors as they prepare for the upcoming agricultural season. With over 70 per cent of India's annual rainfall occurring during the southwest monsoon period, its proper occurrence is vital for sustaining livelihoods and driving economic growth.

As the monsoon progresses, bringing with it the promise of abundant rains and agricultural abundance, the nation eagerly awaits the blessings of nature to nurture its fields and sustain its people.