The southwest monsoon arrived in Kerala three days later than usual on June 4, 2024 [4].
This delay in the seasonal rain pattern affects agricultural planning and water management across the western coast. While some regions experience late arrivals, others are facing extreme temperature swings before the rains stabilize.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for three districts in Kerala: Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Idukki [3]. The alert comes as the region begins to receive the monsoon's impact following the delayed onset.
Progression of the monsoon has been slower than usual along the western coast [2]. This shift has caused a ripple effect on the expected timing of rains in other major urban centers.
In Maharashtra, the monsoon onset in Mumbai is delayed by two to three days [2]. The rains are now expected to arrive around June 7 or 8, 2024 [2].
Other regions have remained on schedule. Bengaluru received its scheduled monsoon rains on June 5, 2024 [1]. The IMD said the city's location aligned with the expected track of the monsoon.
Meanwhile, north India has struggled with severe weather conditions. The region experienced a heatwave with temperatures reaching up to 45 °C [5] before the arrival of pre-monsoon storms.
“The southwest monsoon arrived in Kerala three days later than usual”
The uneven arrival of the southwest monsoon highlights the volatility of India's seasonal weather patterns. When the monsoon is delayed in key coastal hubs like Kerala and Mumbai, it can disrupt the primary water source for millions and impact crop cycles, while the simultaneous extreme heat in the north underscores the precarious transition between summer and the rainy season.
