Monsoon Set to Accelerate Across India: Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms and Coastal Alerts Issued

After a brief slowdown in its progress, the Southwest Monsoon is expected to gather strength once again, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicating that it could reach Kerala around June 4.

As moisture-laden winds intensify over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, weather experts are predicting widespread rainfall, intense downpours in parts of southern India, thunderstorms accompanied by strong gusts, and turbulent sea conditions along the coastline in the days ahead.

Kerala is likely to experience the first major impact of the advancing monsoon. Meteorologists have forecast isolated spells of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, ranging between 7 and 20 centimetres, across the state through June 8.

Orange alerts have been issued for Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Thrissur on June 3, signalling the possibility of significant weather-related disruptions.

Meanwhile, yellow alerts warning of heavy rainfall remain in force across several districts of Kerala and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. These advisories are intended to keep residents informed and prepared as rainfall activity gradually intensifies.

On June 4, districts including Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod, along with Lakshadweep, are expected to receive substantial rainfall at isolated locations.

The following day, heavy showers are likely to spread across Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam, as well as Lakshadweep.

By June 6, the rain-bearing system is forecast to expand further, bringing widespread precipitation to a larger portion of Kerala.

Areas expected to witness heavy rainfall include Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Lakshadweep.

Beyond the monsoon belt, the IMD has cautioned that thunderstorm activity could become more frequent and intense across northwestern, central, eastern and peninsular regions of the country throughout the week.

Powerful winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour are expected across several states.

In some places, thundersqualls with gusts of up to 70 kilometres per hour could affect Rajasthan, Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Chhattisgarh, potentially causing localised disruptions.

Residents of Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region can expect a welcome break from the summer heat.

Rainfall, thunderstorms and brisk winds are forecast to continue through Friday, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours.

The capital’s daytime temperatures are likely to remain between 36°C and 39°C, which is below the seasonal average.

Weather officials have also indicated that heatwave conditions are unlikely to develop in the region until at least June 8.

Karnataka is also expected to witness a notable increase in rainfall as the monsoon draws closer. The changing weather pattern is likely to bring cooler conditions and regular showers across many parts of the state.

In Bengaluru, cloudy skies and intermittent rain are expected over the next few days. Moderate to heavy showers, accompanied by gusty winds, are likely on June 5.

Maximum temperatures are forecast to hover around 32°C, while nighttime temperatures may remain near 22°C, offering relatively comfortable conditions.

The northeastern states are also likely to experience similar weather conditions.

According to the IMD, widespread rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds are expected across the region over the next five days.

Arunachal Pradesh may receive persistent heavy rainfall through June 8, while Assam and Meghalaya are likely to witness particularly intense spells of rain between June 5 and June 8, raising concerns about flooding and waterlogging in vulnerable areas.

Even as rainfall spreads across southern India, parts of Bihar may continue to endure heatwave conditions from Thursday through Saturday.

Warm and humid weather is also expected to persist across sections of Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal.

The weather department has additionally issued marine warnings for coastal regions of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, as well as the Lakshadweep area, Gulf of Mannar and adjoining parts of the Arabian Sea.

Rough seas and squally weather are expected to create hazardous conditions for marine activities.

Wind speeds over coastal waters could range between 40 and 50 kilometres per hour, with occasional gusts reaching 60 kilometres per hour until June 6.

Fishermen have been strongly advised to avoid venturing into the sea during this period.

Authorities have cautioned that severe weather could result in uprooted trees, damage to electricity infrastructure, losses to standing crops and temporary disruptions to transport and essential services in affected areas.

People living in vulnerable locations have been urged to remain vigilant for waterlogging, flash floods and landslides, particularly in hilly and low-lying regions where heavy rainfall may accumulate rapidly.

The IMD has also issued safety guidelines for the public. Residents are advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid sheltering beneath trees, disconnect electrical appliances during lightning activity and keep away from water bodies and metal structures.

As monsoon activity strengthens across the country, citizens are encouraged to stay updated with official weather bulletins and carefully follow instructions issued by local authorities to ensure their safety and preparedness.