Photo Credit: NDTV
The 2025 monsoon season has made a dramatic early entry into India, unleashing torrential rains across the west coast and prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue red alerts for Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. As extreme weather events become more frequent, this early onset of monsoon highlights the urgent need for disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
Early Monsoon Arrival in Kerala Signals Unsettled Weather Ahead
The southwest monsoon hit Kerala on May 24, nearly a week ahead of its usual onset date of June 1. The IMD has confirmed favourable conditions for the monsoon to progress into more parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Maharashtra in the coming days.
Experts believe that the early monsoon is linked to warming sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea and broader shifts in climate patterns, including the impact of El Niño and La Niña cycles.
Heavy Rainfall and Red Alerts in Coastal States
In response to the intense rainfall, the IMD has issued red alerts in several districts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. These alerts signal extremely heavy rainfall, with the potential to cause urban flooding, landslides, and traffic disruptions.
Kerala:
Flood-like situations have emerged in parts of the state due to rising river levels and waterlogged roads. Relief camps have been opened, and disaster response teams are on standby.
Karnataka:
Districts such as Udupi, Kodagu, and Dakshina Kannada have reported rainfall exceeding 200 mm in a single day. Schools have been closed, and residents have been advised to stay indoors.
Maharashtra (Including Mumbai):
Mumbai and its suburbs are bracing for intense downpours that could lead to flash floods and power outages. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is on high alert.
Rainfall Records Worth Noting (Last 24 Hours)
- Birunani (Kodagu) – 258.5 mm
- Bellare (Dakshina Kannada) – 200.5 mm
- Belanduru & Sarapady – Close to 190 mm each
These figures mark one of the wettest starts to the monsoon season in recent years, raising concerns about infrastructure readiness and emergency response in vulnerable areas.
Climate Change Behind Monsoon Extremes?
Meteorologists warn that such extreme rainfall events—intense rain in short bursts -are becoming more common due to climate change. The increasing unpredictability of the Indian monsoon underscores the need for early warning systems, better urban drainage, and public awareness campaigns.
An Early Monsoon and a Loud Wake-Up Call
The early arrival of the 2025 monsoon in India is more than just a calendar anomaly -it’s a climate wake-up call. As extreme weather patterns become the new normal, the resilience of India’s cities, infrastructure, and people will be put to the test. With red alerts flashing across the coast, preparation is no longer optional, it’s essential.
