Monsoon onset over Kerala likely to be delayed: IMD

The onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala is likely to get delayed. Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted monsoon onset by June 4 over Kerala.

The latest weather developments suggest the formation of low pressure over the Southeast Arabian Sea and subsequent intensification into a depression. With an increase in westerly winds over the South Arabian Sea, the conditions are becoming favourable. Also, the depth of westerly winds is gradually increasing.

At present, a cyclonic circulation lies over Southeast Arabian Sea in mid-tropospheric levels. A low-pressure area is very likely to form over the same region during the next 24 hours, said IMD on Monday.

As per IMD, it is likely to move nearly northwards and intensify into a Depression over the Southeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea during the subsequent 48 hours.