Monsoon Advances Across Southern India; IMD Issues Heavy Rain Warnings
Rain Forecast and Monsoon Progress
The monsoon is advancing further into southern India, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announcing heavy rainfall predictions for several regions. The IMD has issued warnings for Kerala, Mahe, Tamil Nadu, Karaikal, coastal Karnataka, and Puducherry, indicating that these areas can expect significant rainfall until Thursday.
Thunderstorms and squalls are anticipated to continue in Mahe and Kerala until May 21, as the onset of the southwest monsoon is projected for May 26. The IMD noted that pre-monsoon activities are on the rise in these regions ahead of the main monsoon system.
Recent Rainfall Measurements
In the past 24 hours, several areas in Kerala experienced heavy rainfall. Notable measurements included 99.3 mm in Kozhikode, 83 mm in Kannur, 61 mm in Thennala, 56 mm in Munakkal, and 50 mm in Vaikkom.
On Monday, the IMD confirmed that the monsoon had progressed into additional parts of the southeast Arabian Sea, the Kanniyakumari area, and the southwest, east-central, and southeast Bay of Bengal. Furthermore, the monsoon has covered most areas of the Andaman Sea as well as the entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Forecast for the Coming Days
The IMD indicated that conditions are favorable for further progress of the monsoon over the next three to four days into parts of the southeast Arabian Sea and more areas of Kanniyakumari, southwest, east-central, and southeast Bay of Bengal, as well as the remaining parts of the Andaman Sea.
Coastal regions can expect strong and gusty winds, ranging from 50 to 60 kmph along the east coast. Areas such as Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema are predicted to experience thunderstorms and lightning on May 20 and 21.
Fishermen Advisories and Wind Conditions
A discontinuity in winds has been noted due to two cyclonic circulations over Vidarbha and the Gulf of Mannar. Monsoon winds are intensifying, with strong cross-equatorial winds reported in the region.
Due to adverse wind conditions along the coasts, the IMD has advised fishermen against venturing into the Gulf of Mannar, the south Bay of Bengal, and the Kanniyakumari area until May 20. Fishermen are also warned to refrain from fishing in the Andaman Sea until May 22. Similar advisory measures are in place for coastal regions of Kerala and Karnataka, alongside the Lakshadweep Islands, until May 20.
Heatwave Conditions in Northern India
Meanwhile, other parts of the country are experiencing above-normal day temperatures. The IMD predicts heatwave conditions to persist until May 23 across Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh.
Severe heatwave conditions are also expected to affect Uttar Pradesh until May 23, with projected maximum temperatures in these regions remaining 3-5 degrees Celsius above normal.
