Southwest Monsoon Likely to Hit Kerala on May 26, IMD Issues Heatwave and Heavy Rainfall Alerts
20 May 2026, New Delhi: India’s southwest monsoon is likely to make its onset over Kerala on May 26, 2026, according to the latest bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather agency said the onset date may vary by around four days on either side, but conditions are currently favourable for further advancement of the monsoon over the coming days.
The IMD stated that the monsoon has already advanced into more parts of the southeast Arabian Sea, the Comorin region, the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. The northern limit of the monsoon currently extends from 6°N/70°E to 17.5°N/98°E, indicating steady progress toward the Indian mainland.
The department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall activity across Northeast India, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim over the next six to seven days. Southern states including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Lakshadweep are also expected to witness widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.
At the same time, intense heatwave conditions are expected to continue across large parts of northwest and central India. Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh are likely to experience heatwave to severe heatwave conditions during the week. The IMD has warned that parts of western and eastern Uttar Pradesh could witness severe heatwave conditions between May 19 and 24.
Strong winds ranging between 40 and 60 kmph are also likely across several eastern and southern states. The department warned that isolated hailstorms and strong thunderstorms may damage horticulture crops and standing agricultural produce in vulnerable regions. Farmers have been advised to ensure proper drainage in fields and move harvested crops to safer storage locations.
The IMD has also issued advisories for fishermen, asking them not to venture into the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea and adjoining coastal areas between May 18 and 23 due to rough sea conditions and strong winds.
The arrival of the southwest monsoon is closely watched across India as it plays a critical role in the country’s kharif sowing season, water availability and overall agricultural output.
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