The southwest monsoon has arrived eight days early in India. Check forecast here as IMD has issued red, orange and yellow alerts for districts in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

The monsoon has arrived in Kerala ahead of schedule, marking the earliest onset since 2009. Heavy rainfall is expected across Kerala and neighbouring states, as the system moves eastwards.

The southwest monsoon hit Kerala on May 24, marking its earliest arrival over the Indian mainland since 2009, the IMD said. While its early onset fuels hopes for a good rainy season, experts caution that early arrival doesn’t always ensure above-normal rainfall.