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Key Points

Tamil Nadu's Regional Meteorological Centre confirmed the southwest monsoon arrived 8 days early, with May 24 marking its onset. The IMD issued warnings for heavy rainfall across Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, while a depression looms over the Arabian Sea. A 30-member NDRF team was deployed in Nilgiris as authorities urged residents to avoid non-essential travel. Officials cautioned that northeast monsoon performance cannot yet be predicted based on early southwest monsoon patterns.

Key Points: Tamil Nadu RMC Reports Early Southwest Monsoon Onset

  • Monsoon onset 8 days early compared to June 1 average
  • NDRF deployed in Nilgiris amid red alert
  • IMD warns of heavy rainfall in Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra
  • Depression over Arabian Sea may intensify conditions
2 min read

Much earlier than normal onset: Tamil Nadu weather department after southwest monsoon arrives early

Tamil Nadu's monsoon arrives 8 days early as NDRF deploys in Nilgiris amid red alert warnings.

"This year Southwest monsoon has set in on 24th May, much earlier than the normal onset. – B Amudha, RMC"

Chennai, May 24

As monsoons arrived early in India, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) of Tamil Nadu on Saturday said that this onset of southwest monsoon is much earlier than the normal onset.

When asked about the northeast monsoons, B Amudha, the head of the Regional Meteorological Centre stated that the performance of northeast monsoon cannot be forecasted on the basis of performance of southwest monsoon.

"The normal date of onset of south west monsoon is June 1. This year Southwest monsoon has set in on 24th May. This is much earlier than the normal onset. If you look at the data from the past 16 years, in 2009, the monsoon set in on 23rd May. This year, it is 8 days earlier... At present, we cannot say anything about the performance of the northeast monsoon on the basis of southwest monsoon. Let us monitor the progress, and then we will issue the long-range forecast," B Amudha said.

Meanwhile, a 30-member team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) arrived in Tamil Nadu's Ooty as red alert for the rain has been issued for the Nilgiris district.

District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru stated that the administration has requested people to follow precautions and not venture out unless in an emergency.

She said, "For the next 2 days, we have a red alert in the Nilgiris district. The southwest monsoon primarily affects taluks like Ooty, Kunda...the people here are requested to follow precautions and not venture out unless in an emergency...All the boating activities have been stopped for today, and it may remain like this for the next 2 days..."

Earlier today, the Southwest Monsoon arrived over Kerala, nearly a week ahead of the usual onset date of June 1, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), "heavy to very heavy rainfall likely to continue over west coast (Kerala, Karnataka, coastal Maharashtra and Goa) during next 7 days with possibility of extremely heavy rainfall over Kerala during 24th-26th; coastal Maharashtra and Goa and Madhya Maharashtra on 24th; Coastal and Ghat areas of Karnataka during 24th-27th; Ghat areas of Tamil Nadu on 25th & 26th May, 2025."

According to the IMD, a depression is present over the East Central Arabian Sea and adjoining south Konkan coast. It is expected to move eastward and cross south coastal Maharashtra by noon on May 24.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Early monsoon is both a blessing and concern for our farmers. Hope the rainfall is well distributed and not too intense. The NDRF team deployment shows good preparedness by authorities 👍
R
Rahul M.
Climate change is showing its effects clearly now. Monsoons arriving a week early is unusual. We need better urban planning to handle heavy rains - Chennai floods still haunt our memories!
S
Saranya V.
As someone from Ooty, I appreciate the early warning system and precautions taken by the administration. The red alert is necessary - our hills are prone to landslides during heavy rains. Stay safe everyone!
A
Arjun P.
The IMD has improved its forecasting significantly over the years. Remember when we used to get only vague predictions? Now we get location-specific alerts days in advance. Good work!
N
Nithya S.
While early monsoon is good for water reservoirs, I worry about the tea plantations in Nilgiris. Too much rain at once can damage the crops. Hope our farmers get the support they need.
K
Karthik R.
The depression over Arabian Sea sounds concerning. Coastal areas need to be extra careful. On positive side, maybe this will help recharge groundwater levels in Tamil Nadu after last year's deficit.

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