Monsoon reaches Kerala and northeast together : The monsoon season has always been a pivotal period for India, accounting for over 70 percent of the country’s annual rainfall. This year, India witnessed a rare and fascinating phenomenon as the monsoon set in simultaneously over Kerala and most parts of the northeast. The last occurrence of such an event was in 2017.
Monsoon Miracle: Kerala and Northeast Drenched Simultaneously – Last Happened in 2017!
A Rare Phenomenon Driven by Cyclone Remal
The synchronised arrival of the monsoon in Kerala and the northeast can be attributed to Cyclone Remal, which formed in the Bay of Bengal. This cyclone expedited the monsoon’s progression, much like Cyclone Mora did in 2017. Cyclone Remal’s influence allowed for the simultaneous advancement of the southwest monsoon, bringing much-needed rainfall to both regions.
On Thursday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the southwest monsoon had set in over Kerala and advanced into most of northeast India. This includes all of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh, as well as most parts of Tripura, Meghalaya, and Assam.
Usual Monsoon Patterns
Typically, the monsoon reaches Kerala on June 1 and arrives in the northeast around June 5. This year, however, the IMD announced that conditions had become favorable for the monsoon’s onset over Kerala a day earlier than anticipated. The monsoon set in on May 30, defying the usual timeline and arriving ahead of the IMD’s first forecast.
IMD Director General M Mohapatra told NDTV, “As of today, the southwest monsoon has reached Kerala and covered most parts of the state. It has also covered some parts of Tamil Nadu and most parts of the northeastern states.”
Impact and Predictions
The IMD has forecasted an above-normal monsoon this year, defining average or normal rainfall as between 96 and 104 percent of a 50-year average of 87 cm for the June-September monsoon season. This is significant, as the monsoon is crucial for India’s agricultural sector, which relies heavily on this period for irrigation. Nearly 50 percent of India’s farmland depends on monsoon rains, making it a lifeline for millions of farmers.
Furthermore, large areas of the country depend on the monsoon for their drinking water supply. The timely arrival of the monsoon is thus critical for both agriculture and water security.
Awaiting Relief in Northern India
While Kerala and the northeast have welcomed the monsoon rains, other parts of India, particularly Delhi and the northern regions, continue to endure record-high temperatures. The IMD predicts that the monsoon will reach the national capital by the end of June, bringing much-needed relief from the scorching heat.
IMD Chief M Mohapatra noted, “The monsoon has set in over Kerala two days early and it will reach Mumbai on June 8. If we look at the weather pattern, the monsoonal features, I will say it is in very good condition for the continuance of this spell.”
Conclusion
The simultaneous onset of the monsoon in Kerala and the northeast is a remarkable event that underscores the intricate dynamics of India’s weather systems. Driven by Cyclone Remal, this rare occurrence is a reminder of the critical role the monsoon plays in the nation’s agriculture and water resources. As the rains progress northward, millions of Indians eagerly await the relief and rejuvenation that the monsoon brings each year.
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FAQs
- What caused the monsoon to reach Kerala and the northeast simultaneously?
- Cyclone Remal, which formed in the Bay of Bengal, expedited the monsoon’s progression, allowing it to reach both regions simultaneously.
- When does the monsoon usually arrive in Kerala and the northeast?
- Typically, the monsoon arrives in Kerala on June 1 and in the northeast around June 5.
- How significant is the monsoon for India?
- The monsoon accounts for over 70 percent of India’s annual rainfall and is crucial for agriculture and water supply.
- What is the IMD’s forecast for this year’s monsoon?
- The IMD has predicted an above-normal monsoon, with rainfall expected to be between 96 and 104 percent of a 50-year average.
- When is the monsoon expected to reach Delhi?
- The monsoon is expected to reach Delhi by the end of June.
