The entire country is eagerly waiting like the Jataka bird for the arrival of the Southwest Monsoon, which is the lifeline of India’s economy and agriculture sector. Having already successfully entered the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the monsoon is now rushing toward the Indian mainland.
According to the latest reports from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) here are the complete details of this year’s monsoon onset:
When will the Monsoon Enter Kerala?
Generally, the monsoon enters Kerala around June 1st every year. Although it was initially estimated that it might arrive by May 26th this time, the department has revised its forecast due to changes in weather conditions.
Currently, monsoon winds are gathering strength over the Arabian Sea. The Director General of the Meteorological Department stated that the monsoon will officially set foot on the Kerala coast between May 28th and June 3rd(the first week of June)
When will the Monsoon Reach Karnataka?
The monsoon will arrive in Karnataka about 4 to 5 days after its onset over Kerala. According to the latest reports, there is a strong possibility that monsoon winds will enter the coastal parts of Karnataka, including Mangaluru, Udupi, and Karwar, between June 5th and June 10th.
By the end of the first week of June or the beginning of the second week (during the June 5th to 10th period), the monsoon will expand to the southern and northern inland districts, including Bengaluru.
Currently, strong pre-monsoon showers are already continuing in several districts of the state’s Kalyana Karnataka, Malnad, and southern inland regions. This is helping farmers prepare their land for sowing.
What will the Rainfall Amount be This Time?
In its second-stage forecast released in the last week of May, the Meteorological Department warned that the rainfall amount this time could be slightly below normal. There is a possibility of receiving 90% of the Long Period Average (LPA) rainfall this season.
The development of ‘El Niño’ conditions in the Pacific Ocean starting from July is said to be the main reason for the drop in rainfall. However, weather experts estimate that since the Indian Ocean Dipole (Positive IOD) is favorable, it might compensate for the rainfall deficit to some extent.
Advice for Farmers:Monsoon winds will pick up pace in the first week of June. Farmers are advised to monitor local weather reports and, as per the agriculture department’s counsel, keep short-duration and drought-resistant crop seed varieties ready for sowing.
