Conditions favourable for onset of monsoon: IMD

Winds get stronger, rainfall increases

Conditions are becoming favourable for the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala around June 5, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said.

In the past 24 hours, the wind has become stronger and there has been an increase in rainfall over the Lakshadweep area and southern parts of peninsular India. “Persistence of convection indicates that conditions are becoming favourable for the onset of southwest monsoon over Kerala around June 5,” the IMD said in its update on Tuesday.

Initial forecast

The IMD had earlier forecast that the monsoon was likely to set over Kerala on May 30, with a model error of plus or minus four days.

IMD director K. Santhosh said the announcement about monsoon arrival would be made from New Delhi.

“Data recorded at the 14 weather stations at Lakshadweep, Kerala, and Mangaluru are being closely monitored,” said Mr. Santhosh.

Other aspects too have to be monitored before concluding that monsoon has arrived, he added.

Officials monitor the rain starting May 10. If 60 per cent or more of the stations record 2.5 mm of the rain for two days continuously, it meets the criteria on monsoon’s arrival.

Another yardstick that the IMD looks at is the strength of the wind.

Cloud movement

Cloud movements are also a key indicator for the weathermen when it comes to announcing the monsoon. — IANS