Southwest Monsoon starts stormy, will be slow after the initial wave

The Southwest Monsoon, which hit Kerala after a delay of about three days after its normal onset date of 1 June, got off to a stormy start with parts of Kerala, particularly central Kerala, receiving intense spells of rain driven by a combination of weather systems, including several cyclonic circulations and a trough that runs from Marathwada to the southwest Arabian Sea across Konkan and Goa.

However, the monsoon flow is likely to be weak during the rest of June after an initial increase according to the climate model of various agencies. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued an orange alert for eight districts from Ernakulam to Kasaragod, warning of very heavy rains, and the rest of Kerala was on yellow alert where isolated heavy rains are likely.

Also on Saturday, an orange alert was issued across the state except for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha where a yellow alert was issued. Heavy rain is likely to continue till the first week of next week and according to the latest update, there will be a reduction in precipitation activity from next week.

Highest precipitation

Meanwhile, Palluruthy in Ernakulam recorded the highest rainfall of 9 cm in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Thursday, followed by Kochi, Cherthala in Alappuzha and Mattanchery in Ernakulam with 8 cm and Kottayam and Vaikom in Kottayam with 7 cm. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea off Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts as stormy weather with wind speed of 40-50 kmph and gusts up to 60 kmph is forecast along and off Kerala and Karnataka coasts and over Lakshadweep region.

Published – 04 Jun 2026 21:58 IST