The monsoon rains are very important for India’s economy. They act as the lifeblood, providing water for agriculture. This year, the monsoon arrived in the state of Kerala two days earlier than usual. It also reached northeast India on Thursday.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that all requirements were met in Kerala over the past two days to declare the monsoon’s arrival. Last year, the monsoon in Kerala was seven days late.
How Is Monsoon Onset Declared in Kerala?
The monsoon onset in Kerala is announced on the second day if:
- At least 60% of 14 weather stations report rainfall of 2.5mm or more for two straight days after May 10
- Winds are blowing from the southwest direction
- There are low levels of Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR), meaning more clouds
OLR measures the total radiation emitted from the atmosphere into space. More clouds mean lower OLR values.
The normal date for the monsoon to begin in Kerala is June 1. From there, it gradually advances north, usually covering the entire country around July 15.
Monsoon Arrives Simultaneously in Northeast India
The monsoon typically reaches northeast India around June 5. However, this year it arrived at the same time as Kerala due to Cyclone Remali strengthening monsoon winds over the Bay of Bengal.
“The Bay of Bengal monsoon arm is very active because of the severe Cyclone Remali. This pulled monsoon winds over the northeast region,” said IMD Director General M. Mohapatra. “There has been extremely heavy rainfall in northeastern states over the last two days.”
Importance of the Monsoon for India
The monsoon’s arrival in Kerala marks the transition from hot and dry weather to the rainy season across India. This is a much-needed relief from scorching summer temperatures.
According to the Agriculture Ministry, 51% of India’s farmland depends solely on monsoon rains, accounting for 40% of crop production. With 47% of the population working in agriculture, a good monsoon correlates with a healthy rural economy.
The IMD forecasted in April that monsoon rainfall from June to September is likely to be 106% of the long-term average, which is considered “above normal.”