Southwest Monsoon May Arrive early over AP
The southwest monsoon set in over Kerala on May 24 and advanced into Andhra Pradesh on May 26
Visakhapatnam: The southwest monsoon may arrive earlier than usual this year, offering relief from intense summer heat and raising hopes for the farm sector. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) has projected that monsoon winds could reach the Kerala coast by May 25, nearly a week ahead of the normal onset date of June 1. If the trend holds, Andhra Pradesh may also receive the monsoon earlier than usual.
Last year, the southwest monsoon set in over Kerala on May 24 and advanced into Andhra Pradesh on May 26.
The possibility of an early onset has generated optimism, particularly among farmers awaiting rains after prolonged heatwave conditions. In Andhra Pradesh, more than 201 mandals have experienced heatwave conditions, with temperatures crossing 41°C in several areas.
The severe heat has caused widespread discomfort, power disruptions and rising health concerns linked to dehydration and heatstroke.
An early monsoon would not only provide immediate respite from scorching temperatures but also improve soil moisture, support sowing activity and ease pressure on water resources. It would be especially significant for farmers facing moisture stress and delayed field preparation.
Kerala, traditionally the first point of landfall for the southwest monsoon, normally receives the seasonal rains in early June. Any advance there is closely watched as an indicator for further progress across the country.
However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has not yet issued its official forecast on the onset of the southwest monsoon. IMD director general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the department would release its forecast in mid-May.
“Kerala is getting pre-monsoon showers and not the kind of rains that occur just before the onset of southwest monsoon,” Mohapatra said.
