The southwest monsoon is expected to hit the Kerala coast in the next 48 hours after a delay of four days, the India Meteorological Department said on Thursday.
In a statement, the department said the monsoon could hit Kerala anytime now as rainfall activity had increased over the State.
The start of the monsoon in Kerala marks the official onset of the rainy season in the country. The usual date of onset is June 1.
The department had initially said the rains would hit the southern State on May 30, but revised the forecast to June 5.
“The trough of low pressure over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep is more marked on Thursday. Under its influence, rainfall activity over Kerala has increased. Wind flows over the southeast Arabian Sea are also becoming favourable,” the IMD said in a statement.
Intense rain
Private forecasting agency Skymet said rain was likely to get intense in the next two days.
“While the rain remained minimal in the last couple of days over Kerala, it picked up in the last 24 hours. Rainfall activity is likely to get intense in the next two days and more showers are expected over the State and adjoining parts. As we move ahead, more parts of Kerala are likely to be bathed by good pre-monsoon rain, ushering in monsoon in India,” Skymet said.
