Monsoon onset over Kerala to be delayed; likely to hit state by June 3: IMD

The Met department had earlier predicted the arrival of monsoon over Kerala by May 31, with an error margin of plus or minus five days.

The arrival of monsoon over Kerala is likely to delayed by two days and it is now expected to make an onset over the state by June 3, 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 south-westerly winds could strengthen further gradually from June 1, resulting in likely enhancement in rainfall activity over Kerala. Hence the monsoon onset over Kerala is likely to take place around June 3," the IMD said.