ALERT: Heavy rains, full-fledged monsoon could hit Goa by June 12

PANAJI: According to an official statement by the India Met Department, bringing cheer to lakhs of farmers across the country, the southwest monsoon has hit Kerala on Thursday, seven days behind schedule.

Though the monsoon stream is weak (as of Thursday over Kerala) due to the severe cyclonic disturbance in the Arabian sea – Cyclone Biparjoy, the monsoon is expected to pick up speed in the next two days in Kerala as Biparjoy moves far north-westward towards Pakistan.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon current has progressed into remaining parts of south Arabian Sea, some parts of central Arabian Sea, entire Lakshadweep, most parts of Kerala and south Tamil Nadu, remaining parts of Comorin area, Gulf of Mannar, and some more parts of southwest, central and northeast Bay of Bengal today.

It is expected to reach Karnataka and also cover Goa by June 12 or 13, while Mumbai may have to wait till June 15 for the monsoon.

In the past 24 hours, Kerala has received widespread rainfall. Cloud cover has expanded over southeast Arabian sea, and the strength of westerly winds in lower levels has increased to around 19 knots.

Conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance into the central Arabian Sea and some parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states, the IMD said on Thursday afternoon.

Goa will start receiving heavy monsoon rain from June 12 onward and by June 15, Goa will be fully covered under the monsoon spell, bringing heavy rain to the coastal state.