In a significant weather development, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced the early arrival of the southwest monsoon over Goa on Sunday—almost 12 days ahead of its usual onset date of June 5. This marks the earliest monsoon arrival in the state since 2006, when it hit on May 20.
The monsoon reached Goa within just 24 hours of its onset over Kerala, making it one of the fastest progressions in recent years. IMD Goa confirmed that the southwest monsoon has now advanced over the entire state of Goa, parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra, and sections of northeastern states including Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland.
“This is the fastest monsoon arrival in the past 19 years,” said IMD Goa scientist Naushad Kulkarni, highlighting the rare timing.
Goa has already been experiencing pre-monsoon activity over the past week, with heavy showers leading to waterlogging and fallen trees in several parts of the state. The IMD has placed Goa under an Orange Alert until May 29, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. A Yellow Alert has also been issued for May 30 and 31.
Due to expected gusty winds and rough sea conditions, the IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into deep waters during this period.
Meanwhile, the depression that brought earlier rainfall has moved eastward across Madhya Maharashtra and weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area.
As the early arrival of monsoon sets in, residents are advised to stay alert and follow updates from the meteorological department.