Monsoon delayed by a week, likely to hit Kerala on June 2

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Southwest Monsoon, which was expected to arrive in Kerala by the last week of May, has been delayed by a week due to an unexpected weather phenomenon in the Indian Ocean. The Meteorological Department announced that the monsoon is now expected to hit the coast on June 2. Until then, isolated summer rains will continue across the state. Currently, no weather alerts have been issued for any district.

The monsoon winds, which had already reached the Arabian Sea, were weakened by an unexpected cyclonic circulation that formed near Lakshadweep off the Kerala coast. This cyclonic circulation created an unanticipated barrier, preventing the rain-bearing westerly winds from reaching the mainland. However, these weather conditions are expected to change by May 29.

As the cyclonic circulation moves away, a new low-pressure system is expected to form over the Bay of Bengal near the Andaman Islands on June 1. This system will intensify into a strong monsoon depression. The powerful 'pull effect' of this depression will drag the monsoon winds directly into Kerala.

Consequently, Kerala is expected to witness a grand onset of the monsoon, marked by torrential rains from June 2 to June 6. The state could receive between 35 and 44 centimetres of rainfall within the very first week.