Multiple outlets report that the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is forecasting the southwest monsoon to set in over Kerala on May 26. The IMD had earlier made the same May 26 estimate, but at least one report later references a shift to June 4 in an updated forecast. The IMD statements also highlight that Kerala typically sees monsoon onset around June 1, after which the monsoon advances northwards to cover other parts of India. One report notes a model error of about ±4 days around the May 26 timing.
In addition to the Kerala forecast, IMD information indicates that the southwest monsoon has been advancing beyond its expected onset window. Reporting on IMD updates around mid-May, outlets say the monsoon conditions move into parts of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, the Lakshadweep area, and adjoining regions of the seas around India over the following 2–3 days. Some sources also mention that last year the onset over Kerala occurred on May 24. Overall, the reporting focuses on IMD timing estimates, expected regional advance over the surrounding seas, and the normal seasonal progression of the monsoon.
