Is Monsoon Reaching Kerala Today? IMD Official Tracking, Route Status & Rain Prediction Rules Explained
The southwest monsoon is about to arrive in Kerala soon which means it will get a lot more rain than usual. Even though there have been reports of heavy rain occurring all throughout the state of Kerala earlier this year, the Indian Meteorological Department has not officially declared any of this as the monsoon yet as per their rules regarding the arrival of the monsoon.
Why Heavy Rain Alone Does Not Mean Monsoon Arrival
Many believe that once Kerala experiences significant rainfall, it indicates that the monsoon has officially arrived.
In reality, there is a vast scientific difference between pre-monsoon thunderstorms and the actual circulation of the monsoon.
The Main Rules Used for Official Monsoon Declaration
Rainfall Coverage Rule
Rainfall from the majority of weather stations (WMO) located throughout the state must be observed continuously for the duration of a 24-hour period.
Wind Pattern Rule
In order for the monsoon to be declared over Kerala, satellite images must depict deep cloud systems and organized convection associated with the monsoon throughout the area.
The IMD does not declare monsoon to be formally established until these conditions have been satisfied.
Cloud Formation Rule
In order for the monsoon to be declared over Kerala, satellite images must depict deep cloud systems and organized convection associated with the monsoon throughout the area.
The IMD does not declare monsoon to be formally established until these conditions have been satisfied.
You Might Also Like
Which Hyderabad areas face worst heat?
Check the neighborhoods most vulnerable during extreme heatwaves in the city.
Which Indian cities face extreme heat?
Discover the regions across India at highest risk from rising temperatures.
Is major weather shift coming April?
Explore how upcoming weather changes could impact temperatures across India.
Which cities face climate risk 2026?
Check the urban areas under immediate environmental threat this year.
Why Chennai preparing early for heat?
Discover how Chennai is tackling rising temperatures and health risks early.
Final Words
In conclusion, the IMD is still in need of certain conditions (to be met) before they can say that the southwest monsoon has officially started and announced it to the public. If recent trends continue to increase over the next few days (as expected), the official start of India’s 2026 monsoon season may be upon us very quickly.
FAQs
Has there been an official arrival of the monsoon to Kerala today?
Not as of yet. However, during this time period, the state of Kerala has been seeing strong weather and activity associated with it nearing its expected start (arrival of the southwest monsoon).
Why doesn’t rain falling heavily automatically mean the arrival of the monsoon?
The IMD has certain specific criteria for determining an official announcement, such as organized rain (for three consecutive days), organized wind patterns (for three consecutive days), and appropriate atmospheric conditions (three consecutive days).
What kinds of winds impact the arrival of the monsoon?
The starting and most significant is the prevailing southwesterly winds providing moisture to the air from the Arabian Sea at the time of the southwest monsoon.
Why is Kerala so important to the monsoon season in India?
The southwest monsoon officially arrives at its land-based starting point/entree to India through Kerala.
