Monsoon Makes Earliest Landfall in 16 Years: Kerala Drenched as IMD Issues Red Alert Across South India

News Flash

24 May

Southwest Monsoon Hits Indian Mainland Ahead of Schedule Since 2009; Red Alerts in Kerala, Coastal Karnataka, Maharashtra Till Sunday

Thiruvananthapuram: In a rare meteorological event, the Southwest Monsoon has officially arrived in Kerala ahead of schedule, marking its earliest onset in 16 years, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This early arrival has triggered widespread rainfall across Kerala and adjacent southern states, setting the stage for a vigorous monsoon season.

"This is the first time since 2009 that the monsoon has made such an early landfall on the Indian mainland,"
The IMD confirmed in a bulletin issued on Friday.

Red Alert Issued Across Southern States

The IMD has sounded a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations in the following regions:

• Kerala

• Coastal Karnataka

• South Interior Karnataka

• Konkan & Goa

• Central Maharashtra

These alerts are valid till Sunday, warning of localized flooding, landslides and traffic disruptions in hilly and low-lying areas.

Historical Onset Dates:

The monsoon typically reaches Kerala by June 1. Here’s a look at onset dates from recent years:

• 2024 – May 23 (Earliest since 2009)

• 2023 – June 8

• 2022 – May 29

• 2021 – June 3

• 2020 – June 1

• 2019 – June 8

• 2018 – May 29

"The early onset over Kerala doesn’t guarantee an equally early or uniform arrival in the rest of the country. Monsoon progress is influenced by a complex combination of global, regional and local factors."
a senior IMD official explained.

What to Expect Next?

Normally, the monsoon covers the entire country by July 8, begins withdrawing from northwest India around September 17, and completely retreats by October 15.

In April, the IMD had predicted a "more than normal" rainfall for the 2024 monsoon season. This dismisses fears of an El Niño, a phenomenon that typically reduces monsoon rains in India.

"The absence of El Niño conditions is a promising sign. We are headed for a potentially strong monsoon this year."
The IMD said in its seasonal forecast.

Public Advisory:

Residents of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra are advised to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during red alert days.

• Stay away from rivers, hilly terrain, and landslide-prone zones.

• Follow IMD warnings and local authority instructions.