The Indian Meteorological Department had predicted that the monsoon would begin in Kerala around May 26. However, weak winds and hot weather conditions on Tuesday have raised uncertainty over rain arriving in the rest of the country by June 1.
The department had said that conditions were favourable for monsoon onset only in some parts of the Arabian Sea. The south-west monsoon is expected to enter he state now only between June 5 and 10.
The reported delay is in the wake of El Niño’s impact. The movement of the monsoon slowed down, and it is predicted that there will be less rainfall this year.
For the rains to be categorised as monsoon, at least 60 per cent of 14 weather stations in Kerala must record rainfall measuring 2.5 mm or more over two consecutive days alongside specific wind and cloud coverage.
Meanwhile, many parts of the country have been reeling under the hot conditions for the past few days.
Temperatures in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, for example, crossed 46.5 degree celcius on Monday.
Deaths due to heatstroke were also reported in the state, with a red alert being issued for the adverse conditions. A red alert was issued for Odisha, East Madhya Pradesh and East Uttar Pradesh due to the sweltering heat. A yellow alert was issued in Delhi for excessive heat on Tuesday.
Despite the delayed onset of monsoon, the IMD predicted that there would be light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds over Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep from May 26 to 29. A yellow alert has been issued for Kerala and Lakshadweep over the next four days.
There will also be light to moderate rainfall in isolated parts of Tamil Nadu, interior Karnataka, North Interior Karnataka, Telangana, Rayalaseema, and Coastal Andhra Pradesh during the same period. This will be accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. Coastal Maharashtra and Goa are also set for similar conditions.