Rain relief! Southwest monsoon hits Kerala, says IMD

PUNE: The southwest monsoon has finally arrived in Kerala today on June 8, announced the India Meteorological Department (IMD), covering most parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu and some parts of south interior Karnataka.

"Southwest monsoon has further advanced over many parts of south Arabian sea, remaining parts of Maldive Comorin area, most parts of Kerala & Tamil Nadu, some parts of South Interior Karnataka, remaining parts of south Bay of Bengal and some more parts of central Bay of Bengal," stated an updated issued by the IMD.

Having arrived late by 8 days, monsoon is expected to give above normal rainfall in 2016, which will speed up sowing of key kharif crops like pulses, oilseeds, maize and coarse grains and also help solve drinking water shortages in many parts of the country.

"Conditions are favourable for further advance of southwest monsoon over some parts of central Arabian sea & Coastal Karnataka, remaining parts of Kerala & Tamil Nadu, some more parts of South Interior Karnataka, some parts of South Andhra Pradesh during next 48 hours," stated IMD release.