Since the southwest monsoon came earlier than expected, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for heavy rainfall across Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka. The meteorological authority says that starting on May 27, there might be very heavy rains, especially in the coastal and south interior regions of Karnataka. It is anticipated that the rains will remain intense till June 1.

Similarly, from May 27 to 30, strong to very severe rains are predicted for North Interior Karnataka.

Mumbai had its earliest start in 19 years as the monsoon arrived early on May 26 and dumped heavy rain. In Tamil Nadu, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds are predicted to last till May 31. Meanwhile, the Konkan and Ghat regions of Madhya Maharashtra are predicted to have very heavy rainfall today.

Kerala has been particularly affected by the monsoon’s intensity; there have been four recorded deaths there due to severe weather. Throughout the state, there has been substantial property damage, with 29 homes totally destroyed and 868 dwellings just slightly affected.

As part of relief operations, camps have been established in the districts of Wayanad, Idukki, and Kozhikode to assist the affected people.

The IMD added that there is a possibility for “fairly widespread to widespread light/moderate rainfall accompanied with thunderstorm, lightning & gusty wind speed reaching 40-50 km/h with heavy rainfall at a few places with very heavy & extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places very likely over Kerala & Mahe on May 27 and heavy to very heavy rainfall thereafter during May 28-June 1.”

Many states, including Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa, have suspended fishing after warning fishermen to avoid the western and eastern beaches due to dangerous circumstances.