New Delhi: The southwest monsoon has finally made its onset over Kerala, marking the official beginning of the rainy season across India. However, this year the monsoon arrived three days later than its normal schedule. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka over the next seven days.

According to the IMD, the activation of the monsoon has prompted weather alerts across 24 states, warning of rainfall, strong winds, thunderstorms, and lightning. Meteorologists expect the monsoon to advance rapidly over the next two to three days, covering parts of Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, additional regions of the Bay of Bengal, and the northeastern states.

Typically, the southwest monsoon reaches Kerala around June 1, but this year its arrival was recorded after June 3. Under normal conditions, the monsoon takes about six weeks to cover the entire country. Its withdrawal generally begins from Rajasthan in mid-September and is completed across India by mid-October.

IMD data show that this is the seventh instance in the past decade when the monsoon has reached Kerala later than the usual date. Historical records indicate significant variations in the onset of the monsoon over the years. The earliest recorded arrival was on May 11, 1918, while the latest onset occurred on June 18, 1972.

The weather department has advised residents to remain cautious during adverse weather conditions, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow instructions issued by local authorities. The arrival of the monsoon has brought relief to farmers, as it is expected to accelerate the sowing of kharif crops and improve agricultural prospects.

Experts believe that if the monsoon progresses at a normal pace, it will boost farming activities across much of the country and help replenish reservoirs, ensuring better water availability in the months ahead.