The prediction comes in the wake of an intense heatwave that has gripped various parts of the country for the past fifty days. This prolonged heat spell has brought significant changes to atmospheric conditions, accelerating the development of monsoon patterns.
Normally, the monsoon makes landfall in the Andaman and Nicobar region between May 18 and May 22. However, this year, meteorologists have noted a rapid rise in sea surface temperatures across the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, leading to increased evaporation and moisture in the atmosphere. The result has been the formation of dense, vapor-rich cloud systems that suggest an early onset of the rainy season.
In light of current conditions, weather scientists also anticipate that Kerala—the gateway for monsoon over the Indian mainland—may witness the monsoon's arrival five to six days earlier than the usual onset date of June 1. However, the IMD has not yet issued an official date for the monsoon's arrival in Kerala.
The early onset of monsoon can bring relief to regions experiencing extreme heat but also raises concerns for sectors like agriculture, which depend on predictable rainfall cycles. Experts continue to monitor the evolving weather systems to provide more accurate forecasts in the coming days.