The southwest monsoon has officially arrived over Kerala, marking the beginning of India’s four-month rainy season. The onset occurred on June 4, three days later than the normal onset date of June 1, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
While the normal date for the monsoon’s arrival is June 1, this year the onset was recorded on June 4, a delay of three days. The monsoon has successfully covered the entire Lakshadweep islands, Keralam, and Mahe. It has also advanced into the remaining parts of the Southwest and Southeast Arabian Sea.
Areas Covered So Far
As of June 4, the southwest monsoon has:
- Covered the entire state of Kerala.
- Advanced into parts of Tamil Nadu.
- Established itself over adjoining areas of the southeast Arabian Sea and southern Bay of Bengal.
- Earlier progressed across the Andaman Sea and surrounding regions before reaching the Indian mainland.
The arrival has brought widespread rainfall to Kerala and adjoining southern districts, offering relief from intense summer heat and replenishing
water resources after weeks of high temperatures.
Where the Monsoon Is Headed Next
Meteorological conditions remain favorable for further advancement during the coming days. The next phase of the monsoon’s journey is expected to include:
- More areas of Tamil Nadu.
- Coastal and interior Karnataka.
- Parts of Goa and the Konkan coast.
- Additional regions of the southern peninsula.
As the season progresses through June, the monsoon is expected to move northward across Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, eastern and central India, and eventually toward Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh before spreading across the rest of the country.
While the onset has begun, the broader seasonal outlook remains cautious. IMD’s latest forecast suggests that the 2026 southwest monsoon may be weaker than average, with seasonal rainfall projected at around 90% of the Long Period Average (LPA). The forecast is influenced by the possible development of El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean.
The IMD has warned of heavy rainfall over Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu during the next few days, while northeastern states and several hill regions are also expected to witness significant precipitation.










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