Key Points
- Monsoon to hit Kerala by May 25, five days ahead of schedule, signaling an early start for the rainy season across India.
- Red alerts issued: Heavy rainfall expected in Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Konkan, and Gujarat; severe heatwave in Rajasthan.
- Jaisalmer records extreme heat at 48°C, with further rise possible; red and orange alerts in several Rajasthan districts.
- Storms and heavy rain claim at least 60 lives in Uttar Pradesh over three days, with widespread disruption and flight cancellations.
- IMD warns of stormy weather and hail in multiple states, including Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh; fishermen in Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep advised not to venture out to sea.
New Delhi: India is bracing for a dramatic weather shift as the southwest monsoon is set to arrive in Kerala by May 25, marking one of the earliest onsets since 2010 and five days ahead of the usual schedule. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that the monsoon will quickly advance through Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, covering much of South and Northeast India within the next week. Central and East India are expected to see monsoon rains by June 4-5.
Heavy Rainfall and Flood Alerts in the South and West
The IMD has issued red alerts for extremely heavy rainfall along India’s western coast, including Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Konkan, and Gujarat. These regions may receive up to 200 mm of rain within 24 hours, with the threat of persistent downpours and localized flooding for at least the next seven days. Authorities in Goa and other coastal states have convened emergency meetings to coordinate disaster response and ensure essential services remain operational.
Heatwave Intensifies in Rajasthan
While southern states prepare for flooding, Rajasthan is enduring a severe heatwave. Jaisalmer recorded a scorching 48°C on Friday, with temperatures expected to rise further. The IMD has placed western Rajasthan under a red alert for extreme heat until May 27, while several other districts are under orange and yellow alerts. Residents are urged to take precautions against dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
Deadly Storms Sweep Uttar Pradesh
Severe storms and torrential rains have battered Uttar Pradesh, leaving at least 60 people dead over the past three days. The storms, which brought wind speeds up to 80 km/h, caused widespread destruction uprooting trees, flooding roads, and collapsing structures in cities like Lucknow, Noida, and Gorakhpur. The chaos forced the cancellation of four flights between Lucknow and Delhi, and state authorities are rushing to provide relief to affected communities.
Widespread Storm and Hail Alerts
The IMD has placed 29 states under storm alerts for Saturday, including Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and several northeastern states. Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are also under warnings for hailstorms. Gusty winds of 30-50 km/h are expected in many regions, raising the risk of tree falls and infrastructure damage.
Sea Warnings and Fishermen Advisory
With the monsoon’s arrival, the sea along Kerala’s coast is expected to turn rough, prompting the IMD to issue a red alert for coastal and interior areas. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea along the Kerala-Karnataka-Lakshadweep coasts from May 23 to 27 due to the risk of high waves and strong winds.
The early and vigorous onset of the monsoon is a double-edged sword for India. While it promises relief from the sweltering heat and a boost for agriculture especially for kharif crop sowing it also raises the risk of flash floods, landslides, and storm-related casualties. Authorities across India are on high alert, urging citizens to stay updated on weather advisories, take necessary precautions, and prepare for both extreme heat and heavy rain in the coming days.
