Southwest Monsoon to Reach Andaman Sea by May 13: IMD

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday announced that the Southwest Monsoon is likely to advance into the South Andaman Sea, parts of the Southeast Bay of Bengal, and the Nicobar Islands around May 13, 2025.

The annual monsoon, which typically spans from June to September, is expected to bring above-normal rainfall across much of the country, according to IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra. However, he noted that certain regions—including Northeast India, Tamil Nadu, and Ladakh—may experience below-normal precipitation.

In a positive outlook for Odisha, IMD has projected above-normal rainfall for many parts of the state this year, which could be beneficial for agriculture and water resources.

Under IMD’s classification system, 87 cm is considered the normal monsoon rainfall. Rainfall exceeding 105% of this average is categorized as above normal.

Addressing concerns about global weather patterns, Mohapatra stated that a significant El Niño event is unlikely to impact India during the core monsoon period. “While El Niño conditions may emerge toward September, they are not expected to influence this year’s rainfall patterns significantly,” he said.

“This year’s monsoon is expected to bring cheer to farmers across the country,” he added, expressing optimism for India’s agricultural output and rural economy.