Kerala heavy rain alert till June 2 as southwest monsoon advances
Synopsis
Three simultaneous cyclonic circulations are fuelling a surge in monsoon activity over Kerala, with the IMD flagging heavy rain, thunderstorms, and winds up to 50 kmph through 2 June. The southwest monsoon's advance — already running ahead of schedule — could accelerate into the interior peninsula sooner than forecast.
Key Takeaways
The IMD has issued a heavy rain alert for Kerala and Mahe from 29 May to 2 June 2025 .
Three simultaneous cyclonic circulations — over the Arabian Sea , Bay of Bengal , and Tamil Nadu coast — are driving intensified monsoon activity.
Gusty winds of 40–50 kmph and widespread thunderstorms are forecast across Kerala , Mahe , and Lakshadweep .
Isolated heavy rainfall is specifically forecast on 29 May , 31 May , and 1–2 June .
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Arabian Sea as rough sea conditions are expected during the active monsoon phase.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday, 29 May issued a heavy rain alert for Kerala through 2 June, forecasting favourable conditions for the further advance of the southwest monsoon over large parts of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal over the next two to three days. Widespread thunderstorms, gusty winds, and isolated heavy downpours are expected to intensify across the state and adjoining territories through the extended weekend.
Monsoon Advance and Atmospheric Systems
According to the IMD, the southwest monsoon is likely to push further into more parts of the southwest and southeast Arabian Sea, the Lakshadweep region, the southwest Bay of Bengal, the central-east Bay of Bengal, the central-west Bay of Bengal, the remaining parts of the southeast Bay of Bengal, and portions of the northeast Bay of Bengal in the coming days.
Meteorologists attribute the intensifying activity to three simultaneous cyclonic circulations. The first persists over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining areas; the second remains active over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining Tamil Nadu coast; and a third has formed over the central-east and southeast Bay of Bengal. The convergence of these systems is driving a broad escalation in rainfall across the region.
Rain Forecast: Day-by-Day
Isolated heavy rainfall is forecast specifically over Kerala and Mahe on 29 May, 31 May, and 1–2 June. Widespread light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching 40 to 50 kmph, is expected across Kerala, Mahe, and Lakshadweep from 29 May to 2 June.
Weather officials have cautioned that strong winds and active lightning may cause localised disruptions, particularly in coastal and high-range areas. Several parts of Kerala were already experiencing intermittent heavy showers and overcast skies as of Friday, signalling a steady strengthening of monsoon activity.
Fishermen Advisory and Coastal Warning
The IMD has advised fishermen to remain on high alert as sea conditions are expected to turn rough over parts of the Arabian Sea during the active monsoon phase. Authorities have urged fishing communities along the Kerala coast not to venture into the sea until conditions improve.
This comes amid a broader pattern of early monsoon intensification — the southwest monsoon had already made its onset over Kerala ahead of schedule this season, and the current multi-system activity suggests the advance into the interior peninsula could also accelerate.
What to Expect Next
With multiple atmospheric systems becoming simultaneously active, meteorologists expect rainfall intensity to increase further over the weekend and into early next week. Residents in low-lying coastal zones and hill districts have been urged to stay alert to local administration advisories. The IMD is expected to issue updated bulletins as the monsoon progresses northward.
Point of View
Given Kerala's recurring vulnerability to landslides and flash floods in June. The fishermen advisory is critical: rough Arabian Sea conditions during multi-system activity can turn dangerous with little warning. If the monsoon's northward advance does accelerate, the window for preparedness in interior districts narrows considerably.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the IMD issued a heavy rain alert for Kerala till June 2?
The IMD issued the alert because three simultaneous cyclonic circulations — over the southeast Arabian Sea, the southwest Bay of Bengal, and the central-east Bay of Bengal — are driving intensified monsoon activity over Kerala. These systems are expected to produce isolated heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds up to 50 kmph through 2 June 2025.
Which areas in Kerala are most at risk during this rain alert?
Coastal zones and high-range areas face the greatest risk of localised disruptions from strong winds and lightning. The IMD specifically named Kerala and Mahe for isolated heavy rainfall on 29 May, 31 May, and 1–2 June, while Lakshadweep is also included in the broader wind and thunderstorm warning.
What is the advisory for fishermen during this period?
The IMD has advised fishermen along the Kerala coast to remain on high alert and avoid venturing into the Arabian Sea, as sea conditions are expected to turn rough during the active monsoon phase. Fishermen are urged to monitor local administration bulletins before returning to sea.
How does this forecast relate to the southwest monsoon's advance?
The IMD forecast that the southwest monsoon will advance further into the southwest and southeast Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, and multiple zones of the Bay of Bengal over the next two to three days. The current multi-system activity is consistent with — and may accelerate — the monsoon's northward push into the Indian peninsula.
When is the rainfall intensity expected to peak?
Meteorologists expect rainfall intensity to increase further over the weekend and into early next week, as multiple atmospheric systems remain simultaneously active. The IMD is expected to issue updated forecasts as the monsoon progresses.
