IMD declares monsoon onset over Kerala; progress seen weak over next 7 days
Going ahead, the progress of monsoon current is seen weak because of the very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy in the Arabian Sea.
PremiumNew Delhi: Bringing cheer to lakhs of farmers across the country, the southwest monsoon hit Kerala on Thursday, seven days behind schedule.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the current has progressed into remaining parts of south Arabian Sea, some parts of central Arabian Sea, entire Lakshadweep, most parts of Kerala and south Tamil Nadu, remaining parts of Comorin area, Gulf of Mannar, and some more parts of southwest, central and northeast Bay of Bengal today.
In the past 24 hours, Kerala has received widespread rainfall. Cloud cover has expanded over southeast Arabian sea, and the strength of westerly winds in lower levels has increased to around 19 knots.
Conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance into the central Arabian Sea and some parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states, the IMD said.
The southwest monsoon typically arrives at India's mainland by 1 June. The onset has not been delayed beyond 8 June at least in the past 20 years.
Rainfall in the June-September monsoon season drives India's $3 trillion economy, bringing nearly 75% of the country's annual rains which are crucial for agriculture and for replenishing reservoirs and aquifers along with meeting power demand. Over half of India's arable land is rain fed and agriculture is among the biggest employment generators.
Monsoon onset over Kerala is declared when nine of 14 select meteorological stations along the state's coast get at least 2.5 mm rainfall over two consecutive days and a few other accompanying criteria associated with wind speed and pressure.
In May, the weather bureau had forecast a 4 June onset with an error margin of 4 days.
Going ahead, the progress of monsoon current is seen weak because of the very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy in the Arabian Sea.
The current typically makes it way through most of the southern region, and half of Maharashtra by 10 June. This year, however, the northern limit of monsoon still remains as far south as central Sri Lanka.
Biparjoy, expected to turn into extremely severe cyclonic storm by 13 June is currently stationed around 850 km southwest of Goa in the Arabian Sea and moving northwards at a slow pace. The cyclone may cause rains along the entire western coast of the country, from Kerala to Gujarat, during the next couple of days, the IMD said.
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