Monsoon to arrive 4 days earlier

New Delhi Conditions are becoming favourable for the advance of the southwest monsoon over Andaman and Nicobar Islands around May 16, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Normal date for arrival of monsoon over Andaman & Nicobar region is May 20.

According to a statement issued by the IMD, a low-pressure area formed over southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Andaman Sea on May 13. It is very likely to concentrate into a depression over central parts of south Bay of Bengal on May 15 and further intensify into a cyclonic storm over southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal by May 16 evening. It is then likely to move northwestwards till May 17 and then recurve north-northeast-wards. These conditions are making it favourable for the advancement of the monsoon over Andaman and Nicobar but the IMD will announce if the arrival of the monsoon over Kerala will also be early on May 15.

The Weather Company of IBM, a private weather forecaster, has forecast that the monsoon will arrive slightly early on May 31 over Kerala. “Our models and data Show May 31 as likely arrival,” said Himanshu Goyal, India business leader, The Weather Company. “The normal arrival date of monsoon over Andaman and Nicobar Islands is May 20 with a standard deviation of 7 days. This time it is expected to arrive on May 16. We will announce the date of monsoon arrival over Kerala on May 15 based on latest data,” said M Mohapatra, director general, IMD. The IMD has forecast a normal monsoon this year.

Meanwhile, under the influence of a western disturbance, thundershowers are likely over Western Himalayan region and over northwest India during next 2-3 days.