Bhubaneswar: After weeks of intense heatwave conditions across several parts of India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast an early arrival of the southwest monsoon, with onset over Kerala expected around May 26 — nearly five days ahead of the normal schedule.
The usual onset date for the southwest monsoon over Kerala is June 1.
According to the IMD, monsoon winds are also likely to advance into the southern Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands within the next 24 hours.
Meteorologists said a strong low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has accelerated monsoon movement this year, creating favourable atmospheric conditions for an early onset.
However, the weather department clarified that the projected arrival date could still vary by around four days depending on evolving weather conditions.
Speaking on the development, Mahesh Palawat said the monsoon’s further progress after reaching Kerala would largely depend on moisture flow from the Arabian Sea and associated weather systems.
He noted that pre-monsoon rainfall activity is likely to intensify along Maharashtra’s coastal belt, including Mumbai and the Konkan region, during the last week of May.
Palawat added that while coastal areas may begin receiving pre-monsoon showers soon, interior regions of Maharashtra could take longer to witness significant rainfall activity.
Meanwhile, several parts of Maharashtra continue to face severe heatwave-like conditions. Temperatures in Vidarbha have remained extremely high, with Akola recording 45.4°C, Wardha 45.5°C, Amravati 45.6°C and Nagpur 45°C. Chandrapur also reported temperatures close to 44°C.
In Madhya Maharashtra, Jalgaon recorded 42.4°C, while Pune registered 36.2°C. High daytime temperatures also persisted in Satara, Ahilyanagar and Nashik.
-OdishaAge
