Onset of southwest monsoon in Kerala likely to be delayed, to hit coast on 3 June, says IMD

New Delhi: The arrival of monsoon over Kerala is likely to be delayed by two days and it is now expected to make an onset over the state by 3 June, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday. IMD Director General M Mohapatra said there is cyclonic circulation along the Karnataka coast which is hindering the progress of the southwest monsoon. “The southwesterly winds could strengthen further gradually from 1 June, resulting in likely enhancement in rainfall activity over Kerala. Hence the monsoon onset over Kerala is likely to take place around 3 June,” the IMD said. Due to strengthening of lower level southwesterly winds, fairly widespread rainfall activity with isolated heavy falls are very likely over northeastern states during next five days. The normal onset date for monsoon over Kerala is 1 June. This marks the start of the four-month rainfall season for the country. Earlier this month, the IMD had predicted the arrival of monsoon over Kerala by 31 May with an error margin of plus or minus five days. Monsoon is expected to be normal this year.