Southwest Monsoon Reaches Kerala; IMD Issues Rain, Thunderstorm Alerts Across 24 States
- By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
- Jun 04, 2026
- 147
The southwest monsoon has officially arrived in Kerala, marking the beginning of India's crucial rainy season. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) India Meteorological Department (IMD), widespread rainfall activity is expected to intensify across Kerala over the coming week, while parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are also likely to witness heavy showers.
Weather experts have indicated that the monsoon system is steadily gaining strength and may advance further into Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, additional areas of the Bay of Bengal, and several northeastern states within the next two to three days.
Monsoon Arrives Three Days Behind Schedule
The 2026 southwest monsoon reached Kerala three days later than its normal onset date of June 1. Typically, the monsoon covers the entire Indian subcontinent within six weeks before beginning its gradual withdrawal from Rajasthan around mid-September. The retreat generally concludes by October 15.
Seventh Delayed Monsoon Onset in the Last Decade
Meteorological records show that this is the seventh delayed monsoon arrival in the past ten years. Historical data from the India Meteorological Department reveal significant variations in monsoon onset dates over the last 150 years.
The earliest recorded monsoon arrival in Kerala occurred on May 11, 1918, while the latest onset was registered on June 18, 1972.
IMD Forecast: Rain, Thunderstorms and Strong Winds Across 24 States
The IMD, IMD Monsoon Updates and Forecasts has issued weather advisories covering 24 states and union territories, forecasting rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning activity, and gusty winds.
States expected to experience adverse weather conditions include Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Telangana, and several northeastern states.
Authorities have also warned of heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and strong winds in Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Delhi remains under a Yellow Alert for the next two days.
Weather Forecast for June 5
Orange Alert Issued in Several States
- Thunderstorm-related Orange Alerts have been issued for Rajasthan, Gujarat, western Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and coastal Andhra Pradesh.
- Heavy rainfall is expected across Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Karaikal, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through Saturday.
- Hailstorms accompanied by thunderstorms may occur in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Central Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
Weather Forecast for June 6
Strong Winds and Rainfall Likely Across Northern and Eastern India
- Wind speeds of 40-50 kmph are expected in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
- Rain and thunderstorm activity may affect districts in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar.
- Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh are likely to receive widespread rainfall, with isolated spells of heavy rain along coastal regions.
- Northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, are expected to experience rain and thunderstorms.
Monsoon 2026: Impact on Agriculture and Water Resources
The arrival and advancement of the southwest monsoon are closely monitored due to their critical role in India's agriculture sector, reservoir levels, drinking water supply, and overall economic activity. A healthy monsoon season supports crop production, improves groundwater recharge, strengthens reservoirs, and contributes significantly to rural livelihoods.
Experts believe that the pace of monsoon advancement during the first half of June will be crucial in determining rainfall distribution across central, western, and northern India. Farmers and state administrations are closely monitoring weather developments as the sowing season begins in many regions.
Northeast India Expected to Receive Increased Rainfall
Weather systems associated with the advancing monsoon are expected to enhance rainfall activity across Northeast India. States such as Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are likely to witness intermittent rain, thunderstorms, and localized heavy showers over the coming days.
The increased rainfall is expected to improve water availability but may also raise concerns about localized flooding, landslides, and transportation disruptions in vulnerable areas.
IMD Advises Caution Amid Adverse Weather Conditions
The India Meteorological Department has advised residents in affected regions to remain alert to weather updates and follow local advisories. People living in areas prone to flooding, landslides, or severe thunderstorms have been urged to take necessary precautions.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as the southwest monsoon continues its northward advance across the country.
According to the latest forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon is expected to advance rapidly across several regions of the country over the coming days. The seasonal rainfall remains crucial for agriculture, water resources, and economic activity. Readers can follow the latest weather developments, monsoon forecasts, and Northeast India updates on The Tripura Post, while official weather bulletins are available through India Meteorological Department (IMD).