India weather update: IMD predicts the arrival of the Southwest Monsoon by May 19 in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

By May 19, the southwest monsoon is expected to move into the Nicobar Islands, parts of the southeast Bay of Bengal, and the south Andaman Sea, according to forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The director-general of the IMD, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, reportedly said in a TOI report that this is in line with the region’s almost usual beginning date of May 20, when the monsoon normally begins in Port Blair.

By May 19, favorable conditions—such as stronger southwesterly winds and more precipitation—are expected to facilitate the monsoon’s entry into the area.

Around May 22, progress in this area often occurs. Therefore, it could be a little early this time. The head of IMD’s weather forecasting section in Pune, Dr. Medha Khole, said that there is a convection of some kind forming over the south Andaman Sea and surrounding portions of the southeast Bay of Bengal.

This association results from cyclonic circulation under lower air pressure, which increases the probability of convection across the area. There’s also a change in wind direction toward the southwest. Thus, around May 19, ideal circumstances are set up for the southwest monsoon to advance across the south Andaman Sea, parts of the southeast Bay of Bengal, and the Nicobar Islands.