India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a delay in the monsoon onset over Kerala, with largely dry conditions expected between May 28 and June 11.
Rainfall is expected to pick up after June 11, according to the latest extended range forecast.
Two factors are likely to cause a delay or weak monsoon onset: a typhoon in the West Pacific pulling moisture away from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, and a cyclonic circulation over Lakshadweep.
The monsoon normally makes its onset over Kerala around June 1, but IMD had forecasted an early onset on May 26.
Conditions are expected to become favorable for the Southwest Monsoon to advance over parts of the South Arabian Sea, extreme south Peninsular India, and the Bay of Bengal.
Heat wave conditions are likely to abate in Northwest India, and isolated heavy rainfall is expected in Northeast and East India.
Thunderstorm activity with squally wind speed is forecasted over Northwest India, Central India, and East India until May 31.
