Monsoon set to touch Andaman in 24 hours; IMD says conditions favourable for onset

In a significant development that marks the beginning of India’s monsoon season, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday announced that the southwest monsoon is likely to make its onset over Andaman sea, parts of the south Bay of Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar Islands by May 13 (tomorrow). 

This early movement is in alignment with the standard meteorological calendar, which generally expects the monsoon to reach the Andaman region around this time each year.

According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, the atmospheric as well as other conditions are highly favourable for the advancement of monsoon into specified regions within the next 24 hours.

Meteorologists have observed a steady increase in humidity, strengthening south-westerly winds, and a rise in convective cloud formations—key indicators that suggest the imminent onset of the monsoon.

“The conditions over are fully supportive of monsoon progress,” an IMD official said on Monday.

As a result, several parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Island, along with portions of the southern Bay of Bengal, are expected to witness moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.

Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea in these regions over the next few days due to rough weather and turbulent sea conditions. 

The arrival of the southwest monsoon in the Andaman region is considered a crucial meteorological milestone, as it typically paves the way for the monsoon's gradual advancement towards the Indian mainland, particularly the southern states like Kerala, which generally see monsoon onset by the end of May or early June.

IMD officials will continue to monitor developments closely and issue timely updates to inform the public, farmers, and disaster management agencies. The early signs of monsoon onset bring hope for a timely and possibly normal monsoon season, which is critical for agriculture and water resource management across the country.

Further bulletins and weather advisories are expected to be released as the monsoon progresses northwards in the coming days.