The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday confirmed that the southwest monsoon has advanced into several regions, including parts of the southeast Arabian Sea, southwest and southeast Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea, and the Nicobar Islands.
According to the weather department, the monsoon has also reached some areas of the Andaman Islands, including Sri Vijaya Puram. Officials stated that weather conditions remain favourable for the monsoon to progress further over the coming days.
The IMD said that during the next three to four days, the monsoon is likely to move into more parts of the southeast Arabian Sea, additional sections of the Bay of Bengal, and the remaining Andaman Islands.
Early Arrival Expected In Kerala
The department had earlier forecast that the monsoon could reach Kerala around May 26, earlier than the usual onset date of June 1. Kerala traditionally marks the official beginning of India’s June-to-September southwest monsoon season.
Meteorologists noted that all required atmospheric and oceanic conditions for the monsoon’s advancement into the region have now been fulfilled.
El Niño Could Affect Rainfall
Despite the early progress of the monsoon, the IMD has warned that developing El Niño conditions could weaken rainfall activity across the country this year.
El Niño is a climate phenomenon caused by warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. The pattern often disrupts global weather systems and is commonly associated with weaker monsoon winds in India.
Risk Of Below-Normal Rainfall
The weather agency has indicated that the possibility of below-normal rainfall during the monsoon season has increased significantly. According to IMD estimates, the probability has risen to 35%, compared to the long-term average risk of 16%.
Lower rainfall during the monsoon season can affect agriculture, water availability and reservoir levels across several states, raising concerns over potential drought-like conditions if El Niño strengthens further in the coming months.
One reply on “IMD Says Monsoon Advances Across Southern Region; El Niño May Impact Rainfall This Year”
[…] Originally published on 24×7-news.com. […]