Monsoon to arrive in Kerala within 24 hours, to reach northeast India in 3-4 days

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Wednesday (May 29) conditions were extremely favourable for the onset of Monsoon season over the southern state of Kerala within the next 24 hours. The rains are also expected to reach northeastern India within the next three to four days, the department said. As of May 28, the rainy winds had already reached the South Arabian Sea and the Maldives region.

“The favourable conditions are expected to continue, facilitating further advancement of the Southwest Monsoon into more areas of the South Arabian Sea, the remaining parts of the Maldives and Comorin region, some parts of the Lakshadweep area, Kerala, additional areas of the Southwest and Central Bay of Bengal, the Northeast Bay of Bengal, and parts of the Northeastern states over the next three or four days,” the IMD said.

Kerala welcomes heavy rains

Kerala was battered by heavy rains on Tuesday (May 28) as pre-monsoon showers disrupted normal life. Streets were inundated in several towns of the state, making it difficult for people to step outside. Severe water-logging was observed in the Kakkanad-Infopark and Aluva-Edappally areas. Heavy rains have been continuing in the Thiruvananthapuram district since Monday night.

Above-normal rainfall expected

According to the IMD, above-normal rainfall is expected this monsoon season, lasting from June to September. The seasonal rainfall across the country is predicted to be 106 per cent of the long-period average (LPA).

However, below-normal to normal rainfall is predicted in numerous places in the northern half of Northwest India, Northeast India, the eastern part of Central India, and the surrounding territories of East India.

(With inputs from agencies)