Kerala's Monsoon Arrives Late with Weakest Rainfall in Over a Decade Expected
Monsoon arrives in Kerala 9 days late, weakest rainfall in 11 years expected

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The southwest monsoon has arrived in Kerala on June 1, 2026, nine days later than forecasted. The India Meteorological Department predicts this year's rainfall could be the weakest in 11 years, influenced by the El Nino climate pattern.
- 01The southwest monsoon reached Kerala on June 1, 2026, marking its official onset in India.
- 02The arrival was delayed by nine days compared to the original forecast of May 26.
- 03The India Meteorological Department (IMD) estimates rainfall will be 90% of the average, down from 92% projected in April.
- 04This season is expected to be the weakest since 2015 due to the influence of El Nino.
- 05The monsoon is crucial for India's agriculture, providing 70% of the annual rainfall for key crops.
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The southwest monsoon has officially arrived in Kerala on June 1, 2026, marking a delay of nine days from the initial forecast of May 26, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This year's monsoon is expected to be particularly weak, with forecasts predicting rainfall at only 90% of the average, which is a decline from the earlier estimate of 92%. The IMD noted that this could be the weakest monsoon season in 11 years, primarily due to the effects of the El Nino climate pattern, which is anticipated to be moderate to strong during the latter half of the season. El Nino typically leads to warmer sea-surface temperatures in the Pacific, disrupting usual weather patterns and resulting in reduced rainfall in India. The monsoon plays a vital role in India's agriculture, supplying approximately 70% of the necessary rainfall for crops such as rice, corn, and sugarcane, as well as replenishing vital water sources like aquifers and reservoirs.
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The delayed and weakened monsoon could significantly affect agricultural productivity in Kerala and other states dependent on monsoon rains.
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