New Delhi: The southwest monsoon is likely to arrive early in India this year, and may hit Kerala on May 26, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Monsoon normally sets in on June 1 in Kerala.
Last year, too, saw early onset of monsoon, hitting Kerala on May 24. The predicted date was May 27.
“This year, the southwest monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala on May 26 wi
th a model error of +- 4 days (could occur four days before or after),” IMD said.
The weather agency said that conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance over parts of the South Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea and Andaman and Nicobar Islands within the next 24 hours.
As the monsoon progresses northward, relief from scorching summer temperatures is expected, IMD said.
However, the IMD has also warned that India may witness below-normal rainfall this year due to possible El Nino conditions.
The agency has predicted 80 cm of rainfall during the monsoon months, whereas the long-period average is 87 cm (1971-2020).
The southwest monsoon season lasts from June to September, and is vital for India’s agriculture and economy, as it brings nearly 70% of the country’s annual rainfall.