EnvironmentTuesday, 2 June 2026·The Hindu - National
IMD says southwest monsoon likely to reach Kerala around June 4, 2026
The IMD on June 1, 2026 said the southwest monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala around June 4, after missing its earlier May 26 forecast.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On June 1, 2026, the India Meteorological Department said the southwest monsoon was likely to set in over Kerala around June 4, after its May 15 forecast had predicted onset on May 26.
Key specifics
- The IMD’s May 15 forecast had a model error window of plus or minus 4 days.
- A June 4 onset would exceed the upper bound of the earlier forecast window, which ended on May 30.
- The IMD uses 14 designated stations in Kerala and the adjoining coast, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode and Mangaluru.
- Onset conditions include 2.5 mm or more rain for 2 consecutive days at at least 60% of the 14 stations after May 10.
- Two other criteria are westerly winds up to about 600 hPa and outgoing longwave radiation below 200 W/m².
Exam lens
Environment and climate question type: monsoon onset criteria, IMD forecast dates, and station-based conditions; remember June 1, 2026, Kerala, 14 stations, 2.5 mm rainfall, 600 hPa, and 200 W/m².