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IMD Forecasts Monsoon Onset Over Kerala by June 4 with 90% of 87 cm LPA Rainfall Under El-Nino Influence

EnvironmentHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
02 Jun 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:June 4 (Onset Date)90% of LPA (Rainfall Forecast)87 cm (LPA Value)
Bodies:IMD
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What This Article Covers

1.IMD forecasts Southwest Monsoon onset over Kerala around June 4, 2026, delayed from the typical date of June 1.

2.Seasonal rainfall is predicted to be 'deficient' at 90% of the Long Period Average (LPA) of 87 cm, influenced by developing El-Nino conditions.

3.Examiners can test the static concept of LPA, the classification of rainfall (deficient if <90% LPA), and the impact of El-Nino on the Indian monsoon.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted the onset of the crucial Southwest Monsoon over Kerala around June 4, 2026, a slight delay from its typical June 1 arrival. This news is critical for aspirants as it combines static geography (monsoon onset) with current data (rainfall forecast at 90% of LPA) and links it to a major climatological phenomenon (El-Nino), a recurring theme in Prelims and Mains.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Monsoon Onset Date (2026)Around June 4
Typical Onset DateJune 1
Rainfall Forecast (% of LPA)90%
Long Period Average (LPA)87 cm (based on 1971-2020)
Rainfall ClassificationDeficient (<90% of LPA)

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Monsoon Onset Date (2026): Around June 4
  • ›Typical Onset Date: June 1
  • ›Target this Data: 87 cm (the current LPA for all-India seasonal monsoon rainfall).
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: India Meteorological Department (IMD) - responsible for monsoon forecasts.
  • ›Target this Classification: Deficient monsoon season is classified as rainfall less than 90% of the LPA.

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which organization is responsible for issuing the official forecast for the onset of the Southwest Monsoon over Kerala?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the monsoon forecast mentioned in the news:

1. The Southwest Monsoon is expected to onset over Kerala around June 4, which is later than its typical date.

2. The India Meteorological Department forecasts the seasonal rainfall to be 90% of the Long Period Average (LPA).

3. According to IMD classification, a monsoon season with rainfall less than 95% of the LPA is termed 'deficient'.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the IMD's revised forecast mentioned in the article, what is the Long Period Average (LPA) of seasonal rainfall over India, based on data from 1971 to 2020?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary climatological reason cited in the article for the forecast of below-normal monsoon rainfall in India?

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