The India Meteorological Department on Tuesday noted the advancement of southwest monsoon into some parts of south Bay of Bengal, south Andaman Sea, Nicobar Islands and parts of the North Andaman Sea.

It said for the past 24 hours, the Nicobar Islands witnessed widespread moderate rainfall and that it would likely continue.

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Moreover, the strength and depth of westerly wind has increased for the last two days over parts of south Bay of Bengal, Nicobar Islands and Andaman Sea.

“Considering all the above satisfied criteria, the southwest monsoon has advanced into some parts of south Bay of Bengal, south Andaman Sea, Nicobar Islands and some parts of north Andaman Sea on Tuesday,” IMD stated in a statement.

Additionally, it also stated that the conditions are favorable for further advance of southwest Monsoon over some parts of south Arabian Sea, other parts of South Bay of Bengal, entire Andaman & Nicobar Islands, remaining parts of Andaman Sea and some parts of central Bay of Bengal in the next 3-4 days.

Notably, the weather office had earlier stated that the southwest monsoon will likely set over Kerala on May 27, earlier than the usual date of June 1.

If the monsoon arrives in Kerala as per the predicted date, it will be the earliest onset over the Indian mainland since 2009, when it began on May 23, according to IMD data.

The southwest monsoon accounts for three-fourths of India’s total annual rainfall and during this, average rainfall over the plains is about 87 percent.

Its significance lies in its critical role in replenishing water resources and supporting agriculture across the country.