Bhubaneswar, June 4: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday announced the onset of the Southwest Monsoon over Kerala, officially marking the beginning of the 2026 monsoon season over the Indian mainland.

According to the IMD, the monsoon reached Kerala on June 4, three days later than its normal onset date of June 1. Despite the slight delay, weather conditions have remained favourable for its steady advancement across other parts of the country.

The monsoon has already covered the remaining parts of the southwest and southeast Arabian Sea, sections of the west-central and east-central Arabian Sea, the entire Lakshadweep region, Kerala and Mahe, and parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Simultaneously, it has advanced into several areas over the Bay of Bengal.

Meteorologists have indicated that the prevailing atmospheric conditions are conducive for further progress of the monsoon. Over the next two to three days, it is expected to advance into Goa, parts of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, additional regions of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and several northeastern states.

The IMD attributed the monsoon’s advancement to enhanced convective cloud activity over the southeast Arabian Sea during the past two days. Strong westerly winds extending up to 4.5 kilometres above mean sea level, with speeds ranging between 20 and 25 knots, have further aided its movement.

Kerala has witnessed widespread rainfall, including isolated heavy showers, during the last few days. The progress of the monsoon will continue to be closely monitored as it moves across the country, bringing much-awaited relief from the summer heat and supporting agricultural activities.

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