India Greets Early Monsoon as Rains Arrive in Kerala Ahead of Schedule
In a rare meteorological event, the southwest monsoon arrived over Kerala eight days ahead of schedule, making landfall on May 24 and marking the earliest onset since 2009, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Traditionally, the monsoon hits Kerala around June 1, ushering in a four-month period vital for agriculture, drinking water, and energy needs across the country. This year’s early onset mirrors trends seen only a few times in recent decades. The earliest monsoon on record since 1975 occurred on May 19, 1990. In contrast, last year saw the rains arrive on May 30, while in 2023 they were delayed until June 8. Although the early arrival is considered a positive indicator, the IMD has warned against interpreting it as a forecast of overall monsoon performance. “There’s no direct link between the onset date in Kerala and the total rainfall India receives,” an IMD official stated. “The monsoon is shaped by multiple climatic forces, both global and local.”
The 2025 season, however, appears promising. The IMD has projected above-normal rainfall this year, allaying earlier concerns about the El Niño effect. Normal monsoon rainfall ranges between 96% and 104% of the long-period average (LPA) of 87 cm. India recorded 934.8 mm of rainfall in 2024, translating to 108% of the LPA—its highest monsoon performance since 2020. Previous years saw varied outcomes: 820 mm in 2023 (94.4%), 925 mm in 2022, 870 mm in 2021, and 958 mm in 2020. The monsoon is not just a climatic event—it’s the country’s economic cornerstone. With nearly 42% of India’s population dependent on agriculture, the rains support crop yields, recharge reservoirs, and power hydroelectric grids. The timely arrival over Kerala sets the stage for its gradual advancement northward, with the IMD estimating pan-India coverage by July 8. The season will conclude with a withdrawal by October 15.
With an early start and positive forecasts, the 2025 monsoon season could significantly bolster rural livelihoods and ensure stable water and food supplies in the months ahead.
