New Delhi: As intense heat continues to scorch North India, there’s a glimmer of relief: the monsoon has made an early appearance in Kerala. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) officially announced the onset of monsoon in Kerala two days ahead of schedule. Heavy rains have drenched many cities in the state, providing respite from the scorching temperatures.
Cyclone Remal’s Influence
The southwest monsoon, driven by Cyclone Remal, accelerated its progression towards the Bay of Bengal. Cyclone Remal, which recently hit the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh, diverted the monsoonal flow, resulting in the premature arrival of monsoon in Kerala and parts of the Northeast. The IMD had initially predicted the monsoon’s arrival on June 1, but it knocked on Kerala’s doorstep earlier than expected.
Monsoon Timeline
- Kerala: The monsoon officially arrived in Kerala on May 30, 2024, instead of the usual June 1. Heavy rainfall in the state during the past few days contributed to this early onset.
- Northeast India: The monsoon has also moved towards most parts of Northeast India. Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, and Assam are expected to experience relief from the heat soon.
Red Alert in Kerala
IMD issued an orange alert in seven districts of Kerala due to heavy monsoon rains. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki are among the districts affected. June and July are crucial months for agriculture, especially Kharif crop sowing, making the timely arrival of monsoon essential for farmers across the region.
