THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The eagerly awaited Southwest Monsoon (Monsoon 2026) is highly likely to hit the Kerala coast by June 4, according to the latest forecast by the India Meteorological Department. A prominent cyclonic circulation (Cyclonic Circulation) currently hovering over the southeast Arabian Sea near the south Kerala coast is expected to trigger widespread and heavy downpours across the state over the coming days.

According to the weather alert (IMD Alert) issued by the weather bureau, isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall (Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall) is predicted across Kerala and Mahe from June 2 to June 8. Furthermore, until June 6, the state is expected to witness widespread thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph. As the weather conditions turn volatile, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has urged coastal residents and the general public to maintain extreme caution. Meanwhile, these urgent weather updates and safety guidelines are rapidly gaining traction, trending widely across major social media platforms (Facebook, X Trends) under the hashtag ‘KeralaRain’.

The Southwest Monsoon, locally known as Edavappathi, serves as the primary agricultural and economic lifeline (Lifeline of Kerala’s Economy) for the state. As Kerala stands as the gateway for monsoon entry into the Indian subcontinent, ideal conditions are simultaneously aligning for the monsoon to advance into Lakshadweep, parts of Tamil Nadu, and major sectors of the Bay of Bengal. This seasonal arrival brings much-needed respite to citizens who have been grappling with soaring temperatures and humid conditions over the past few weeks.

In recent years, Kerala has witnessed significant shifts in its monsoon patterns due to regional climate change (Climate Change in Kerala). Learning from past experiences of severe flooding and heavy seasonal damages, the state government has proactively streamlined its disaster preparedness and dam management plans (Dam Management and Disaster Preparedness) this year. With state mechanisms on high alert, Kerala prepares to navigate the upcoming monsoon season with enhanced vigilance, prioritizing public safety and environmental resilience.

Story Summary: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the southwest monsoon is likely to onset over Kerala by June 4, 2026. Due to a cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea, heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds is expected across the state until June 8.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress leader and Aroor MLA Shanimol Usman has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly, making history as only the fourth woman to hold this prestigious constitutional post (Election). The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate comfortably defeated the Left Democratic Front (LDF) nominee, Muhammad Muhsin, who is the Communist Party of India (CPI) legislator from Pattambi. In the voting held at the Assembly House on Tuesday morning, Shanimol Usman secured an overwhelming 99 votes, while her opponent Muhammad Muhsin managed to get 34 votes.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has three members in the house, chose to stay out of the contest and abstained from voting. The high-profile polling also saw notable absences; ruling bench members Abid Hussain Thangal and Sandeep Varier did not attend the session, while opposition MLA C.K. Hareendran was also absent. Following the election results announced by Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, the first session of the newly constituted assembly resumed its normal legislative procedures. Netizens have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, making #ShanimolUsman, #KeralaAssembly, and #DeputySpeaker trend rapidly across top social media platforms.

Representing the Aroor constituency, Shanimol Usman is a seasoned politician with an impressive track record in public life (MLA). She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the Kerala Law Academy in Thiruvananthapuram and rose through the political ranks via student activism in the Kerala Students Union (KSU) and Mahila Congress. Breaking barriers early in her career, she also holds the milestone of being the first female leader from Kerala to be appointed as a secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC).

This momentous win carries immense historical weight, as it brings a female leader into the Deputy Speaker’s chair after a lengthy gap of 35 years.

Story Summary: Congress MLA Shanimol Usman has been elected as the new Deputy Speaker of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly, securing 99 votes against LDF’s Muhammad Muhsin. Her historic victory brings a female legislator to this constitutional position after a long gap of 35 years in the state.