The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Saturday that the southwest monsoon is expected to reach Maharashtra soon, with weather conditions remaining favourable over the next two to three days.The southwest monsoon made landfall in Kerala during the day, marking its earliest onset over the Indian mainland since 2009, when it had arrived in the state on May 23.

Talking to reporters, Dr Shubhangi Bhute, head of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Mumbai, said, "The conditions are favourable for the advancement of the southwest monsoon, which has already reached the Kerala coast almost a week ahead of its normal onset date of June 1."

She explained that the early arrival is due to the currently favourable weather conditions, with the monsoon steadily advancing towards Maharashtra. The forecast relies on recent observations, especially the development of a low-pressure system near the Konkan area in Ratnagiri district, she added.

The IMD has issued a red alert for the coastal districts of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, warning of the possibility of "very, very, extremely heavy rainfall." Additionally, isolated areas in the Ghat regions of Satara and Kolhapur are also forecasted to experience extremely heavy rainfall.

An orange alert has been announced for Raigad district. Although there is no severe rainfall warning currently in place for Mumbai city, the department is keeping a close watch on the situation and will share updates if needed, she said.[With PTI inputs]