The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that the southwest monsoon is likely to set over Kerala by June 4. Conditions are becoming favorable for the further advancement of the monsoon into more parts of the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep Islands, and the Bay of Bengal around that date.
Upper Air Cyclonic Circulation Weakens
The upper air cyclonic circulation, which had been hindering the arrival of westerly winds carrying vast amounts of moisture from Madagascar, over the southwest Arabian Sea and its neighborhoods between 3.1 km and 5.8 km above mean sea level, has become less marked. This development paves the way for the monsoon's progress.
Orange and Yellow Alerts Issued
IMD has issued an orange alert for four districts: Thrissur, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Alappuzha, effective Wednesday. The remaining districts in Kerala will be under a yellow warning. Both orange and yellow alerts are expected to continue across the state until June 6.
Rain and Thunderstorm Forecast
Rain or thundershowers are most likely at most places in Kerala and Lakshadweep until June 8. Squally weather with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, is likely along and off the coasts of Kerala, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, and adjoining Maldives. In view of these conditions, the IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into these sea areas until June 6.
Rainfall Deficit in Early June
Meanwhile, the state has received only 11.6 mm of rainfall against the normal of 27.7 mm in the first two days of June, indicating a deficit that may be offset by the upcoming monsoon activity.
