The southwest monsoon’s onset and declaration is expected today (June 4, 2026), with all eyes on Kerala.
The IMD (Indian Meteorological Department), had earlier said the monsoon onset over Kerala would take place on May 26. However, it was delayed, and the department stated on May 29 that the onset could occur the following week.
How to track the Indian monsoon’s arrival through the INSAT-3DS monsoon cloud satellite imagery?
As the monsoon is a closely tracked natural phenomenon in India, here’s how you can do it too.
How to see through IMD satellite services?
- Open the IMD Satellite Page or the faster-updating IMD Rapid Scan Satellite Images
- On the menu bar, you can switch between the Asia Sector and the regional loops like the Arabian Sea or the Bay of Bengal.
- Look for the massive dense cloud bundles moving from the southwest to the northeast. During the daytime, use the Visible channel to see the clouds. At night, use the Infrared-1 channel.
Screengrab from the IMD Satellite Services portal on June 4, 2026
How to see more in-depth data about the monsoon?
The monsoon is not just about the rain that falls to the ground. It is also important to track the storms that are sometimes formed kilometers above the ground in the atmosphere. Here’s how you can track them:
- On the IMD Satellite Services Page, select the Cloud Top Brightness Temperature (CTBT) option.
- The map will show dark red, purple, or deep white patches to denote the temperature of the clouds and, in turn, the monsoon storms essential for precipitation.
Screengrab of the cloud top brightness temp section of the IMD satellite services’ portal.
How and when is the monsoon declared?
The monsoon is officially declared by the IMD after a certain amount of rain is received in designated weather stations across Kerala. The depth and strength of the westerly winds must also reach a predetermined altitude and speed. The monsoon is declared after it reaches Kerala and then proceeds to envelop the country.
Kerala monsoon onset: Why southwest monsoon arrival matters for India
Why is Kerala important to determine the onset of the monsoon?
Kerala’s geographical position is a significant factor influencing its climate, particularly its monsoon patterns. Situated on the southwest coast of India, the state is positioned to experience the first impact of the southwest monsoon, which typically commences around the end of May and continues into September.
Why is the southwest monsoon important for India?
The southwest monsoon is important for the country as it brings about 80% of the country’s annual rainfall. When the monsoon arrives on time and provides enough rain, it sets the stage for planting important summer crops like rice, pulses, and sugarcane. This helps in securing food supplies as well as improving the incomes of countless families.
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