India’s southwest monsoon has arrived earlier than usual, offering timely respite from the searing summer heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) declared the monsoon’s onset over Kerala on May 23, marking its earliest arrival since 2009. The IMD had forecasted the monsoon to reach Kerala around May 31, with a possible deviation of 4 days. However, the actual onset occurred earlier, bringing the monsoon season ahead of schedule.
Agricultural Disruptions: Unseasonal rains have delayed kharif crop sowing, particularly affecting vegetables like onions, leading to price hikes and potential food inflation.
Flooding and Landslides: Karnataka has experienced 45% excess rainfall, raising fears of a repeat of the 2018 floods. Coastal districts and the Malnad region are severely affected, with swollen rivers, landslides, and over 3,500 hectares of farmland impacted.
Urban Challenges: In Maharashtra, the monsoon arrived simultaneously in Pune, Mumbai, and Solapur on May 27, nearly 15–16 days ahead of schedule. Torrential rains have led to flash floods, infrastructure damage, and at least five fatalities.
