Southwest monsoon hits Kerala: IMD

08 June, New Delhi

The southwest monsoon has finally set in over Kerala and Lakshadweep a day earlier than what was announced in the forecast.

Director of India Meteorological Department, L S Rathore said, the Southwest Monsoon has reached upto Kannur and Chennai and covered most part of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Rathore said, the condition is favourable for its further advancement over coastal Karnataka, some more parts of South Andhra Pradesh and remaining parts of Tamil Nadu in the next 48 hours. The normal date of onset of monsoon in Kerala, which signals the arrival of rain-bearing winds over the Indian mainland, is June 1.

Earlier, Meteorological Department had predicted that the South West Monsoon would touch the Kerala coast this year by June 9. After observing the strengthening of winds and rainfall activity over Kerala, Lakshadweep and coastal Tamil Nadu the Department has officially announced the outset of monsoon in the state, today.

Incessant rain continues to shower in many parts of the state. The state Disaster Management has issued warnings to the people of hilly and sea shore areas. In the present condition, the south-west monsoon seems to be in a normal pace and even as there was a slight delay of one week, it should cover the country well within the period announced earlier informed the Met Department.
The state government also has taken all precautions to prevent outbreak of any type of epidemic in the state.

The MeT Department has forecast above normal rainfall this year. The monsoon seasonal rainfall is likely to be 106 per cent of the long period average. The country had received deficient rainfall in the last two consecutive years.