Kochi, June 8, 2023: The long-awaited Southwest Monsoon has made its entry into Kerala today, marking its official onset. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced that the monsoon has advanced into the remaining parts of the south Arabian Sea, central Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep area, most parts of Kerala, some parts of south Tamil Nadu, remaining parts of the Comorin area, Gulf of Mannar, and additional parts of the southwest, central, and northeast Bay of Bengal.
This year, the Southwest Monsoon arrived slightly later than its normal date of June 1st. Over the past 24 hours, cloud cover has significantly increased over the southeastern Arabian Sea, with Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) measuring below 200 w/m2. The westerly winds, extending up to mid-tropospheric levels, have become stronger, reaching speeds of about 19 knots in the lower levels. Consequently, widespread rainfall has been observed in Kerala during the last 24 hours, confirming the arrival of the Southwest Monsoon.
The Northern Limit of Monsoon (NLM) now passes through various geographical coordinates, including latitudes 13.5°N/ Long. 55°E, lat. 14.0°N/ Long. 60°E, lat. 13.5°N/ Long. 65°E, lat. 13°N/ Long. 70°E, Cannur, Kodaikanal, Adirampattinam, lat. 12.0°N/ Long. 83.0°E, 16.0°N/88.0°E, 18.5°N/90.0°E, and 22.0°N/93.0°E.
Favorable conditions are anticipated for the further progress of the Southwest Monsoon. Over the next 48 hours, it is expected to advance into more parts of the central Arabian Sea, remaining areas of Kerala, additional regions of Tamil Nadu, certain parts of Karnataka, and further sections of the southwest, central, and northeast Bay of Bengal, including parts of the northeastern states.