This year southwest monsoon is likely to reach Kerala on May 27, four days earlier than its usual date of June 1, informed India Meteorological Department (IMD) recently.
If the monsoon arrives as predicted in Kerala on May 23, it will be the earliest onset in Indian mainland since 2009.
The early arrival is anticipated to positively impact the kharif sowing season. Karnataka usually sees monsoon rains on June 5. However, this year, rains may arrive on June 1 and cover the entire state by June 6.
C S Patil, Director of the IMD, Bengaluru, said there are favorable conditions for the southwest monsoon to advance and we can witness its arrival four to five days in advance.
He further said that while south-interior Karnataka, which consists of the old-Mysuru region, could get normal rainfall this year, the coastal and north interior Karnataka can receive above normal rainfall. Between May 10 and May 16, several parts of Karnataka are expected to receive light to moderate/thundershowers.
Parts of south and north interior Karnataka are also expected to witness gusty winds accompanied by thundershowers till May 15, C S Patil informed.
