Ahmedabad: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced the early onset of the southwest monsoon over parts of the south Bay of Bengal, south Andaman Sea, Nicobar Islands, and some parts of the north Andaman Sea on Tuesday, May 13. The onset is over a week early, as the average onset date in that region is May 22.

According to the IMD, the monsoon normally makes its onset over Kerala by June 1. Following that, initial showers are expected along Gujarat’s southern coast around June 15. Typically, the monsoon covers the entire state by June 30, but this may happen earlier this year, as Kerala is projected to receive its first rains on May 27—five days ahead of the usual June 1 onset. Notably, if the monsoon arrives as forecast—or earlier—it could mark the earliest onset over mainland India since 2009.

The IMD officially declared the monsoon’s arrival over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on May 13, following widespread rainfall that fulfilled key meteorological criteria. With favorable oceanic conditions, the monsoon is expected to advance swiftly across the country.

In a press release, the IMD stated: “Conditions are favorable for further advance of southwest monsoon over some parts of the south Arabian Sea, Maldives & Comorin area; some more parts of the south Bay of Bengal, entire Andaman & Nicobar Islands, remaining parts of the Andaman Sea; and some parts of the central Bay of Bengal during the next 3–4 days.”

The IMD’s long-range forecast anticipates an above-normal monsoon, with rainfall expected at 105% of the long period average (LPA) between June and September. DeshGujarat