PANAJI
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting an early onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala this year, Goa is also likely to receive the monsoon earlier than usual.
According to IMD, the southwest monsoon is expected to reach Kerala on May 26, nearly a week before the normal onset date of June 1. The forecast carries an error margin of plus or minus four days.
The IMD said the onset over Kerala marks the beginning of the monsoon’s advance over the Indian mainland and signals the transition from the hot summer season to the rainy season.
IMD official Nahush Kulkarni told The Goan that Goa usually receives the southwest monsoon around 5 to 10 days after Kerala, depending on prevailing weather conditions. With Kerala expected to receive the monsoon early, Goa could also witness an early arrival of rains if conditions remain favourable. Goa had received monsoon showers 12 days early in 2025, on May 25.
The IMD said the forecast was generated using its indigenously developed statistical model based on six meteorological parameters, and noted that its monsoon onset forecasts have remained largely accurate over the past two decades, except in 2015.
