Monsoon 2025 Progression
The southwest monsoon made its initial landfall in Kerala on Saturday, May 24, and has since advanced into additional regions. By Sunday, May 25, it had spread to parts of the west central and east central Arabian Sea, Karnataka, all of Goa, sections of Maharashtra, and areas in Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland. The monsoon is anticipated to further extend into more regions of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, parts of Karnataka such as Bengaluru, Andhra Pradesh, and the remaining areas of Tamil Nadu within the next three days.
Significance of Early Monsoon Arrival
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the southwest monsoon's onset on May 24 marks the earliest arrival on the Indian mainland since 2009, occurring eight days ahead of the usual start date of June 1. An IMD official stated, "The Southwest Monsoon has set in over Kerala today, the 24th May, 2025, against the normal date of 1st June. This is the earliest monsoon onset over Kerala since 2009, when it arrived on May 23."
Expert Insights on Early Monsoon
Manorama Mohanty, the IMD Bhubaneswar Director, commented on the early monsoon, noting, "Rain is occurring, and a trough is extending from the east central Arabian Sea, where a depression is present, to South Chhattisgarh." The IMD had initially forecasted the monsoon's arrival for May 27, making its early arrival noteworthy.
Factors Behind the Early Monsoon Why Did The Southwest Monsoon Arrive Early In India?
Increased Pre-Monsoon Activity
In southern peninsular India, pre-monsoon showers, heightened humidity, and cloud formations have created favorable conditions for an earlier monsoon. States like Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have experienced significant rainfall in recent weeks.
Low-Pressure Area Over Arabian Sea
The IMD indicated that a low-pressure area formed over the Arabian Sea, along with a trough extending across Vidarbha, enhanced moisture inflow, facilitating the monsoon's advance.
Cyclonic Circulation Development
The presence of cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea has drawn moist winds inland, further accelerating the monsoon's onset.
Early Signs in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The southwest monsoon began its advance towards the Indian mainland, with favorable conditions noted in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and parts of the South Bay of Bengal as early as May 13. This early progression contributed to the swift movement of the monsoon towards Kerala.
Neutral El Nino Conditions
Neutral El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions were observed, typically supporting a normal monsoon.
Warming Ocean Waters
Above-normal sea surface temperatures in sections of the Indian Ocean have increased evaporation and cloud formation, promoting early rainfall and monsoon-like conditions.
Weakened Anticyclone Over Arabian Sea
This year, lower pressure over the Arabian Sea allowed monsoon winds to arrive earlier than usual, as high pressure typically delays their onset.
