The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday said that conditions are favourable for the onset of monsoon over Kerala around May 31, a day ahead of its usual date.
“Monsoon has advanced into some more parts of Maldives-Comorin area, Southwest and east-central Bay of Bengal, most parts of Southeast Bay of Bengal and some parts of west-central Bay of Bengal on Thursday,” the IMD said. The normal onset date of seasonal rains over the Indian mainland is June 1.
The IMD has warned that strong winds attaining speeds of 40 to 50 kmph are likely over the Kerala coast till May 29.
According to Skymet, a private weather forecaster, cyclone Yaas expedited the advance of monsoon over these parts and the next stop is mainland India anytime soon. Monsoon countdown starts amidst a change of guard over the Pacific Ocean. A La Nina advisory is no longer in effect and ENSO neutral conditions are present.
Due to Yaas, Nawana received 28 mm rainfall, Joda-27 mm, Joshipur-25 mm, Lathikata-21 mm, Jhumpura-21 mm, Champua-20 mm, Keonjhargarh-20 mm, Panposh-20 mm, Basudevpur-19 mm, Chandikhol-17 mm, Karanjia-17 mm, Rajgangpur-14 mm, Mandira Dam-14 mm, Swam-Patna-13 mm, Deogarh-13 mm, Tiring-12 mm, Udala-11 mm, Gurundia-11 mm, Barkote-11 mm, Hatadihi-11 mm, Tihidi-11 mm, Pallahara-11 mm in Odisha.
Monsoon is likely to arrive over Kerala on May 31 a day ahead of its normal arrival date of June 1, with a possible error margin of plus/minus four days, IMD had said on May 14.
The monsoon season, which begins on June 1, is crucial for summer crops and brings about 70% of India’s annual rainfall. It is critical to the country’s agriculture, which is one of the mainstays of its economy. Monsoon spurs farm produce and improves rural spending. It is the lifeline for about 60% of the country’s net cultivated area, which has no irrigation. The monsoon impacts inflation, jobs, and industrial demand. Good farm output keeps a lid on food inflation. Ample harvests raise rural incomes and help inject demand into the economy.