The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday confirmed the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala, officially marking the beginning of the country’s annual four-month rainy season.

The monsoon arrived on June 4, around three days later than its normal onset date of June 1. Weather officials said the seasonal rains have covered Kerala and extended into parts of Tamil Nadu, bringing widespread rainfall to several areas.

According to the IMD, conditions remain favourable for the monsoon to advance further into additional parts of southern India over the next few days. The progression of the monsoon is closely watched as it plays a critical role in supporting agriculture, replenishing reservoirs and meeting the country’s water requirements.

Heavy rainfall forecast for Kerala

Several districts in Kerala are expected to receive heavy rainfall as the monsoon strengthens over the region. Weather authorities have issued alerts in parts of the state and advised residents to remain cautious in areas vulnerable to waterlogging and localised flooding.

The arrival of the southwest monsoon is considered one of the most important weather events in India, as it delivers nearly 70 per cent of the country’s annual rainfall. A large section of the agricultural sector depends on timely and adequate monsoon rains for crop cultivation.

Monsoon advance to be monitored closely

While the monsoon has made its official entry into the country through Kerala, meteorologists will continue monitoring its pace and distribution across different regions in the coming weeks.

The IMD has indicated that the monsoon is expected to advance gradually across the Indian mainland, bringing rainfall to more states as the season progresses.

Rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds lashed parts of Delhi-NCR, bringing relief from the intense summer heat, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for the next two days. The weather department has forecast more showers, thunderstorms and strong winds across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad.

According to IMD, cloudy skies, light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds may occur at several locations in Delhi-NCR. Wind speeds could reach 40-50 kmph and may gust up to 60 kmph during thunderstorm activity.

The weather department has advised residents to remain cautious during periods of strong winds and lightning. The expected rainfall is likely to keep temperatures lower than usual for early June, extending the relief from intense heat that the region witnessed in recent weeks.

Rain activity likely across NCR cities

The forecast indicates that Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad are also expected to receive spells of rain accompanied by thunderstorms over the coming days. Similar weather conditions have been predicted across much of the NCR region as atmospheric instability continues to influence northwestern India.

Recent spells of rain and dust storms have already brought down temperatures across Delhi-NCR, with weather officials predicting additional showers before conditions gradually improve later in the week.

Residents have been advised to monitor weather updates and avoid open areas during thunderstorms and lightning activity. Authorities also caution that strong winds may affect traffic movement and outdoor activities in some areas.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK chief Vijay has allotted the state’s lone vacant Rajya Sabha seat to alliance partner Congress, a move that further strengthens cooperation between the two parties after the formation of the new government. The decision comes ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for June 18.

The allocation is being seen as an important political gesture by Vijay towards Congress, which has emerged as a key ally of the ruling coalition in Tamil Nadu. Congress currently has five MLAs supporting the government and is also represented in the state cabinet.

Sources indicate that senior Congress leader and All India Congress Committee functionary Praveen Chakravarty is likely to be the party’s nominee for the Rajya Sabha seat. His nomination is expected to be filed in the coming days.

Move reinforces TVK-Congress partnership

The decision follows recent interactions between senior Congress leaders and the Tamil Nadu leadership, including a meeting between veteran Congress leader P. Chidambaram and Chief Minister Vijay. Political observers view the Rajya Sabha seat-sharing arrangement as another step towards consolidating the alliance ahead of future electoral contests.

Congress had reportedly sought the Rajya Sabha berth from its ally, and the allocation is expected to increase the party’s representation in the Upper House from Tamil Nadu. With the latest development, Congress is set to have two Rajya Sabha members from the state along with representation in the state government.

The Rajya Sabha bypoll had earlier been viewed as an opportunity for Vijay’s TVK to secure its first direct entry into Parliament. However, the party chose to back its ally, highlighting the importance it places on coalition politics and alliance management.