May 19th 2024.
New Delhi: The Southwest monsoon, which plays a vital role in India's agricultural economy, has finally arrived. On Sunday, the India Meteorological Department announced that the monsoon has made its onset over the Nicobar Islands, the southernmost region of the country.
According to the weather office, the monsoon has also advanced into some parts of the Maldives, the Comorin area, and the South Bay of Bengal. This news brings hope to many as the annual rainfall phenomenon is expected to reach Kerala by May 31.
Interestingly, the date of monsoon onset over Kerala has varied significantly over the last 150 years. The earliest recorded onset was on May 11 in 1918, while the latest was on June 18 in 1972, as per IMD data. Last year, the monsoon reached Kerala on June 8, while in 2020 it arrived on June 1 and on May 29 in 2021.
In a previous forecast, the IMD had predicted above-normal rainfall during the monsoon season in India. This prediction was based on favorable La Nina conditions, which involve the cooling of the equatorial Pacific Ocean. These conditions are expected to set in by August-September and are known to contribute to a good monsoon season over India.
As large parts of the country continue to battle a severe heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 48 degrees Celsius, the arrival of the monsoon brings much-needed relief. This heatwave has shattered records in several states and has had a severe impact on health and livelihoods. In fact, Southern India experienced heatwave spells as early as April.
The intense heat has also taken a toll on the power grids and has caused water bodies to dry up, leading to drought-like conditions in some areas. The prediction of above-normal rainfall during the monsoon season is, therefore, a ray of hope for the fast-developing South Asian nation.
The monsoon is crucial for India's agricultural landscape, with 52% of the net cultivated area relying on it. It also plays a crucial role in replenishing reservoirs, which are essential for drinking water and power generation across the country. June and July are considered the most critical months for agriculture as most of the sowing for the kharif crop takes place during this period.
In conclusion, the onset of the monsoon brings much-needed relief and hope to India, especially in the midst of a severe heatwave. As the country continues to battle various challenges, the arrival of the monsoon is a reminder of the vital role it plays in sustaining the nation's economy and people's lives.
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