India has welcomed the southwest monsoon earlier than expected this year, with the rain-bearing winds reaching Kerala on May 24—eight days ahead of the usual June 1 date. This marks the earliest arrival since 2009, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
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🌧️ Early Monsoon Hits India: A Promising Start with Precautions |
Favorable weather conditions and strong pre-monsoon activity helped push the monsoon winds across southern states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and even into parts of the northeast. This early onset is great news for the agricultural sector, which relies heavily on timely rains for sowing crops such as rice, sugarcane, and cotton. Experts say this could lead to early sowing and better crop yields, especially in the southern and central regions.
However, the early rains also bring challenges. The IMD has issued red alerts in parts of Maharashtra, warning of intense rain, storms, and gusty winds. In some areas like Kolhapur and Satara, heavy downpours have already caused flooding and landslides, affecting daily life and transportation.
Climate scientists also point to larger weather systems like cyclones in nearby seas influencing this early arrival. While the rain offers a head start for farmers, local authorities urge the public to stay prepared for extreme weather and potential disruptions in the coming weeks.
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