The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted favorable conditions for the further advance of the southwest monsoon into more parts of the central Arabian Sea, the remaining parts of the south Arabian Sea, the Lakshadweep area, Kerala, parts of Karnataka and Rayalaseema, some more parts of Tamil Nadu, and the southwest Bay of Bengal over the next 2-3 days. However, a Times of India report suggests that the monsoon has lost its momentum and may progress slowly for a few days.
The slow progression raises concerns for regions that typically witness the onset of monsoon after Kerala, including parts of Maharashtra. The IMD official quoted in the report attributed the slowdown to Cyclone Remal, which strengthened the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon and diverted it towards northeast India, while weakening the Arabian Sea branch.
According to the official, peninsular India will experience some rainfall activity in the coming days, but it may be subdued. The official added that it will take a few days for the monsoon to realign, causing a delay in monsoon entry over south Maharashtra and later even northwest India.
The IMD’s forecast for June rainfall over northwest India indicates below-normal rains.
In a separate development, the IMD has predicted that the southwest monsoon would arrive in Madhya Pradesh by June 15, two days before its usual onset. Meteorologist Pramendra Kumar of the IMD Bhopal Centre told PTI, “Monsoon is likely to set over Madhya Pradesh around June 15 or a day or two ahead of its normal schedule.”
Meanwhile, widespread rains have lashed several parts of Kerala, triggering landslides, uprooting trees, and leading to waterlogging. Kottayam, Idukki, and parts of Ernakulam have received particularly heavy downpours since Friday night. Landslides and uprooted trees were reported in the interiors of the hill district of Idukki, resulting in damage to some houses and vehicles but no reported casualties, according to locals.
