The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday officially announced the arrival of the Southwest Monsoon 2026 over the Andaman and Nicobar regions. According to the latest weather update, the monsoon has advanced into parts of the South Southeast Arabian Sea, Southwest and Southeast Bay of Bengal, most parts of the Andaman Sea, and across the Nicobar Islands.
Key areas, including Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair) and parts of the Andaman Islands, have already started witnessing monsoon activity.
Monsoon Expected in Kerala by May 26
In a significant update for the southern peninsula, the IMD has predicted an early onset of the Southwest Monsoon over Kerala this year.
- Expected Onset Date: May 26, 2026
- Model Error Margin: There is a standard deviation window of plus or minus 4 days ($\pm$ 4 days) for the actual arrival.
Low-Pressure Area Forms Over Bay of Bengal
The advancement of the monsoon is heavily influenced by a Low-Pressure Area currently hovering over the Southwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining Westcentral Bay of Bengal. This cyclonic system is expected to pull in more moisture, accelerating weather changes across Southern India.
5-Day Heavy Rain and Wind Alert for Kerala and Mahe
Under the combined influence of the low-pressure system and advancing monsoon winds, the state of Kerala is bracing for severe weather conditions over the next few days.
Weather Warnings from May 16 to May 18:
- Heavy Rainfall: Isolated places across Kerala are highly likely to experience heavy downpours.
- Thunderstorms & Lightning: Heavy rain will be accompanied by severe thunderstorms and lightning.
- Squally Winds: Strong gusty winds with speeds reaching 40 to 50 km/h are expected to lash the state.
