Monsoon Expected in Kerala Within 2-3 Days, Weather Alerts Issued Across Several States

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Kerala within the next 2-3 days. While the monsoon typically arrives in Kerala around June 1, its progress has been slower this year. Favorable conditions have now developed over the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and parts of the Bay of Bengal, enabling the monsoon's advancement. However, the IMD has also indicated that rainfall during this monsoon season may be below normal, with an estimated 90% of the Long Period Average (LPA). This could be influenced by the El Niño phenomenon, which is gradually strengthening in the Pacific Ocean and may impact rainfall patterns by September.

Meanwhile, weather conditions across the country have seen significant changes. Heatwave conditions have subsided nationwide. Rajasthan experienced hailstorms in Ajmer, Nagaur, and Chittorgarh, while Madhya Pradesh saw storms and rain in four districts. Heavy rainfall was reported in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi and Lalitpur, with alerts issued for 63 districts. Bihar's Sasaram also witnessed heavy rain, and alerts for light to heavy rainfall have been issued in 27 states, including Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, and Punjab.

In Uttarakhand, heavy rainfall affected several districts, including Nainital, leading to the closure of schools in Pithoragarh. The Kedarnath Yatra was temporarily halted due to adverse weather, while over 50 pilgrims stranded in Champawat were rescued safely.

Rajasthan also faced sandstorms in Jaisalmer, causing reduced visibility. Similar conditions were reported earlier in districts like Sri Ganganagar and Bikaner, with wind speeds reaching 56 km/h. Alerts for storms and rain remain in place for multiple states in the coming days.