EnvironmentSaturday, 30 May 2026·The Hindu - National
IMD says southwest monsoon may begin on June 4, 2026, but Kerala rainfall could stay weak
The IMD expects the southwest monsoon to begin over Kerala on June 4, 2026, but warns of a subdued June due to El Niño conditions.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In June 2026, the India Meteorological Department said the southwest monsoon is likely to begin over Kerala on June 4, after missing the predicted onset date of May 26 and the normal onset date of June 1.
Key specifics
- The monsoon stream reached the Andaman Sea and South Sri Lanka on May 16.
- Neetha K. Gopal, Director of IMD, said the current may spread across Kerala within 1 or 2 days.
- IMD warned of El Niño conditions developing in the tropical Pacific, affecting rainfall patterns.
- June and July together contribute more than 60% of Kerala’s seasonal rainfall.
- IMD issued orange alerts for 4 districts on Wednesday and 8 districts on Thursday.
Exam lens
Environment and geography question type: monsoon onset dates, El Niño, and rainfall distribution. TNPSC may ask the normal onset date of the southwest monsoon over Kerala and the IMD’s warning for June 2026.