2 min readBengaluruMay 15, 2026 03:59 PM ISTThe normal date for the monsoon onset over Kerala, which marks the commencement of the four-month long season, is June 1. (Photo credit- Canva)The Southwest monsoon is likely to make a before-time arrival over Kerala for yet another year and most likely on May 26.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Friday said, ” This year, the southwest monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala on May 26, with a model error of ± 4 days.”The normal date for the monsoon onset over Kerala, which marks the commencement of the four-month long season, is June 1.If realised on May 26, it will be the third consecutive year when the monsoon onset over Kerala is ahead of schedule. The onset over Kerala in 2025 ( May 27) and 2024 (May 31), the IMD data showed.The monsoon first arrives over the south Andaman Sea, the Andaman and Nicobar islands and the south Bay of Bengal around May 22. This year, the Met department has said that the monsoon onset over this region is expected anytime in the next 24 hours.India receives over 70 per cent of its annual rainfall during the June to September period. This rainfall is crucial for the country-wide agriculture, water resource management and replenishment of reservoirs and the overall economy.This year, the IMD has forecast below-average rainfall over the country during the season. Quantitatively, it is expected to be 92 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA), which is 880mm (1971 – 2020).Story continues below this adKerala, along with many areas in the southern peninsular India have been continuously experiencing pre-monsoon showers this entire week.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:monsoonweatherAdvertisementLoading Recommendations...AdvertisementLive BlogKerala SSLC 10th Result 2026, sslcexam.kerala.gov.in LIVE Updates: Malappuram top district; check result at prd.kerala.gov.in13 seconds agoIran US War News LIVE Updates: All vessels can pass through Strait of Hormuz except those at war with us, says Iran FM Abbas Araghchi54 seconds agoJustice Swarana Kanta Sharma won’t hear excise case, to continue with contempt action against Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, others1 hour agoTrump-Xi Summit LIVE: Beijing being ‘very pragmatic’ on Iran, says top US official, as Trump and Xi meet for final day of summit4 hours agoHBSE 10th Result 2026, bseh.org.in Highlights: Scorecards out at bseh.org.in, check list of toppers5 hours ago