IMD confirms monsoon onset on June 4, issues very heavy rain alert for Kerala

After a brief delay, the southwest monsoon is finally set to make its onset over Kerala around June 4, 2026, bringing much-needed rainfall to southern India and marking the official start of the country's rainy season, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The weather agency has forecast widespread rainfall activity across the southern states over the next week, with Kerala expected to bear the brunt of the monsoon's arrival.

Isolated locations in the state are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall ranging from 7 cm to 20 cm during the next six to seven days.

The IMD has also predicted isolated heavy rainfall over parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka as moisture-laden monsoon winds strengthen over the Arabian Sea and advance northward.

The onset of the monsoon is a crucial event for India, where nearly half of the country's farmland depends on seasonal rains for irrigation. The monsoon also replenishes reservoirs, supports hydropower generation and provides relief from the intense summer heat.

However, the arrival of the monsoon is expected to be accompanied by potentially hazardous weather conditions across several regions.

The IMD has warned of moderate to severe thunderstorm activity over many parts of northwest, central and eastern India, as well as south Peninsular India, during several days of the coming week.

These thunderstorms could be accompanied by squally winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph, posing risks to outdoor activities, temporary structures, power lines and agriculture. Residents in affected regions have been advised to remain alert and follow local weather advisories.

In northwest India, including Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana, thunderstorms and gusty winds are likely to continue bringing relief from the recent spell of extreme heat. Similar weather conditions are expected across central India, including Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, while eastern states such as Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal may also witness thunderstorms and intermittent rainfall.

The forecast comes after several days of widespread pre-monsoon thunderstorm activity across India, which has already led to a significant drop in maximum temperatures at many locations.

Meteorologists will closely monitor the monsoon's progress in the coming days as it advances beyond Kerala into other parts of southern and northeastern India.

A timely and well-distributed monsoon remains critical for agriculture, water security and the overall economy, making the next few weeks particularly important for millions of people across the country.

With heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds on the horizon, India is set to experience an active start to the 2026 monsoon season.