IMD warns thunderstorms with 50 kmph winds in Kerala amid early monsoon onset

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed the early arrival of the southwest monsoon over Kerala, marking the earliest onset since 2009, arriving eight days ahead of schedule on May 23.

Alongside this, the IMD has issued warnings for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph in one or two places across Kerala on Saturday. This comes with a very heavy rainfall warning for several districts, including Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod, Pathanamthitta, and Idukki, with red alerts issued for extreme rainfall until May 27.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has urged residents to heed these warnings disseminated through district administrations to ensure safety.

Meteorologists note that while the timing of the monsoon's arrival varies annually, it does not directly affect the total rainfall or its distribution across India. The IMD had earlier forecast an above-normal cumulative rainfall for the 2025 season and ruled out El Nino conditions, which are typically linked to below-normal monsoons.

"The early arrival is expected to bring much-needed relief from the summer heat and boost agricultural activities across the country," experts say.

The monsoon is vital for India's agriculture sector, supporting the livelihood of about 42 percent of the population and contributing 18.2 percent to the country's GDP.

With the southwest monsoon's early onset and associated weather warnings, Kerala braces for significant rainfall and gusty winds, emphasizing preparedness and caution among residents.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of thunderstorms with gusty winds up to 50 kmph in Kerala amid the early onset of the southwest monsoon, arriving eight days ahead of schedule. Heavy rainfall alerts have been issued for multiple districts until May 27, urging public caution.