Why Monsoon Starts in Kerala First: A Detailed Explanation

Monsoon Starts in Kerala First is a question that arises every year as the summer heat intensifies across India. Kerala, often referred to as God’s Own Country, becomes the first state to welcome the southwest monsoon. This early arrival of rain is not just a relief from the scorching summer but also signals the beginning of a cooler, wetter season that is vital for agriculture and daily life across the country.

Basics of the Indian Monsoon Explained Simply

The Indian monsoon is one of the most important climate events in the country. It refers to the seasonal winds that bring rain during certain months of the year. In India, the Southwest Monsoon arrives between June and September and provides over 70% of the country’s annual rainfall.

The monsoon is crucial for agriculture, drinking water, electricity generation, and even the economy. However, one common question that students and weather watchers alike ask is: why monsoon starts in Kerala first? This blog explores the scientific and geographical reasons behind this important fact.

Understanding the Monsoon: Basic Concept

Before learning why monsoon starts in Kerala first, it’s important to understand what the monsoon is. The word “monsoon” comes from the Arabic word “mausim,” meaning “season.”

The monsoon is a large-scale weather system where the direction of winds changes with the seasons. In summer, land heats up faster than the ocean. As the land becomes hot, it creates a low-pressure zone over India, especially in the northern plains. Meanwhile, the Indian Ocean remains cooler, creating a high-pressure zone.

Due to the difference in pressure, moist winds from the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea blow toward the Indian subcontinent. These winds bring rainfall when they meet the land, especially when forced to rise by mountains or hills.

Geographic Position of Kerala: First in Line for Monsoon

One of the major reasons why monsoon starts in Kerala first is Kerala’s geographical location. Kerala is located on the southwestern tip of India. It is the first landmass the southwest monsoon winds hit when they enter the Indian subcontinent.

As these winds move northward from the equator, the southwest coast of India becomes their first point of contact, making Kerala the natural entry point of the monsoon.

The Role of the Arabian Sea in Kerala’s Early Rainfall

Another key reason why monsoon starts in Kerala first lies in the Arabian Sea’s role. During the pre-monsoon period, the Arabian Sea warms up and adds a large amount of moisture to the winds. These moisture-laden winds travel eastward toward India.

Since Kerala is located along the coast of the Arabian Sea, it is the first state to experience heavy rainfall as these winds reach the land.

How the Western Ghats Influence Monsoon in Kerala

The Western Ghats are a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India. When the southwest monsoon winds hit these mountains, they are forced to rise. This process is called orographic lifting.

As the moist winds rise, they cool down, and the water vapor condenses to form clouds, which leads to rainfall. The orographic rainfall caused by the Western Ghats is another major reason why monsoon starts in Kerala first and why the region receives such high amounts of rainfall.

Timing of the Monsoon: Why It Begins in June in Kerala

The official monsoon season in India starts in early June. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared June 1st as the average date for the onset of the southwest monsoon in Kerala. This date is based on long-term observations and scientific indicators such as:

• Wind patterns
• Temperature changes
• Sea surface temperatures
• Cloud movement

Every year, scientists closely monitor the behavior of the ocean and atmosphere to predict the exact arrival of the monsoon. When the monsoon reaches Kerala, it is a sign that it will begin to spread across the rest of India in the coming weeks.

Scientific Reasoning: Why Monsoon Starts in Kerala First

Let’s summarize the scientific reasons behind why monsoon starts in Kerala first:

1. Geographical Location: Kerala is the first state in India along the path of the southwest monsoon winds coming from the Arabian Sea.
2. Proximity to the Ocean: Kerala is located along the Arabian Sea, which warms up quickly and produces moisture-rich winds.
3. Presence of Western Ghats: These mountains help in lifting the moist winds, causing orographic rainfall.
4. Formation of Low-Pressure Areas: The land over North India heats up faster than the sea, attracting moist air from the ocean toward Kerala first.

Importance of Monsoon Arriving in Kerala First

The fact that monsoon starts in Kerala first has national importance:

• Agriculture: The monsoon is vital for planting crops like rice, maize, and pulses. Early rains in Kerala indicate the start of the agricultural season.
• Water Supply: Monsoon rains refill rivers, lakes, and groundwater levels.
• Electricity Generation: Hydroelectric dams rely on rainwater to generate power.
• Economic Planning: Government departments, farmers, and traders all prepare based on the arrival of the monsoon.

Kerala receiving rain marks the beginning of this entire cycle for the rest of the country.

Summary: Why Monsoon Starts in Kerala First

Conclusion: Kerala – The Gateway of Indian Monsoon

The question of why monsoon starts in Kerala first can be answered by looking at a combination of geographic location, sea conditions, mountain ranges, and atmospheric science. Kerala, because of its unique placement and natural features, becomes the perfect starting point for India’s much-awaited rainy season.

The arrival of the monsoon in Kerala marks the beginning of a season that brings life to millions across the country. It sets off a chain reaction that moves from south to north, covering the entire nation in just a few weeks. Thus, Kerala’s early rainfall is not just a regional event—it is the first chapter in India’s annual story of rain.