The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed the arrival of the Southwest Monsoon in Kerala, occurring nine days later than the typical June 1 onset. Heavy rainfall is anticipated in southern states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, with Orange Alerts issued for regions such as Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam due to the risk of very heavy rainfall. Additionally, pre-monsoon activity is notable in states like Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana, where strong winds, thunderstorms, and dust storms are likely. A total of 24 states have received warnings for rain and storms, with hailstorms expected in Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Despite the impending rains, heatwave conditions persist in several areas, including Gujarat and Rajasthan, where temperatures remain above 40°C. The IMD advises residents in affected areas to stay vigilant and heed weather updates due to potential hazards from lightning and strong winds.