Goa, June 4 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala within the next 24 hours, signaling the start of the country's crucial monsoon season. The announcement, made on Wednesday afternoon, indicates that the monsoon is likely to reach Kerala earlier than its usual onset date of June 1.

According to the IMD, isolated areas across Kerala are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall over the coming week as the monsoon strengthens over the region.

The arrival of the southwest monsoon over Kerala marks the beginning of the June-to-September rainy season, which plays a vital role in India's agriculture and water resources.

Meteorologists expect the monsoon system to gradua...