Southwest monsoon set to reach Kerala within 24 hours; rainfall activity intensifies across Odisha

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicated on Wednesday that the southwest monsoon is likely to make its onset over Kerala within the next 24 hours, marking the beginning of the country’s annual rainy season.

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Weather conditions are also favourable for the monsoon’s further advance into additional parts of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Lakshadweep Islands, and Tamil Nadu around June 4.

The IMD has forecast isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall ranging between 7 cm and 20 cm over Kerala during the next six to seven days. Isolated heavy rainfall is also expected over parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka during the same period.

Taking to its official X handle, the IMD said, “Southwest monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala during the next 24 hours. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall (7-20cm) is very likely over Kerala and isolated heavy rainfall over Tamil Nadu and Karnataka during the next 6-7 days.”

In Odisha, light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms were reported in several districts, particularly in the northern coastal region. Among the highest rainfall records were Bari and Kotapad with 5 cm each, followed by Danagadi, G.B. Nagar, Tihidi, Lanjigarh and Aul with 4 cm each. Several other locations recorded between 2 cm and 3 cm of rainfall.

Temperature patterns across Odisha remained mixed. Maximum temperatures dropped by 3°C to 4°C at isolated places in southern Odisha, while some interior districts recorded a rise of 2°C to 4°C. Boudh and Khordha recorded the State's highest maximum temperature at 41°C, while Kendrapara registered the lowest minimum temperature at 20.2°C.

Meteorologists expect rainfall activity to increase further as the monsoon progresses across the region, bringing relief from prevailing heat conditions in many areas.

Notably, people were advised by the IMD regional centre in Bhubaneswar to keep watch on the weather and take safe shelter during the thunderstorm activity to protect from lightning and follow traffic advisories in urban areas.