India: Monsoon arrives in the south May 29

Event

The India Meteorological Department announced on Tuesday, May 29, that monsoon season had started, three days earlier than expected, in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Karnataka state is also expected to see monsoon weather conditions in the coming hours.

On a weather-related note, 30 individuals were killed in thunderstorms in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh states on May 29. Additionally, heatwaves are still ongoing in the states of Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and West Rajasthan.

Context

Monsoon season generally runs from June through September.

India's monsoon season is expected to bring normal levels of rainfall this year, with a 20 percent chance of above-average or below-average precipitation. However, southern states such as Karnataka and Kerala are predicted to receive below average rainfall during the season, potentially affecting agriculture and water supplies.

Advice

Individuals in India are advised to monitor developments to weather forecasts as monsoon season approaches. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.