Monsoon to hit Kerala early this year

Monsoon will hit Kerala between May 28 and 30, two-three days before its normal onset date of June 1, private forecasting agency Skymet said. However, it is expected to reach New Delhi on July 1 and Jaisalmer by July 12. It is likely to reach Kolkata by June 10 and Mumbai by June 12. The Southwest Monsoon will arrive over Andaman and Nicobar Islands between May 18 and 20. "It is likely to reach Kerala between May 28 and May 30. Thereafter, it will cover other parts of the country. Present weather conditions are indicating a promising beginning of Monsoon 2016 which is likely to usher in with a bang," Skymet said. The normal monsoon onset date is June 1 when it reaches Kerala. Monsoon reaching a tad early is expected to provide relief to many parts of country which are reeling under severe heat wave and drought conditions. The India Meteorological Department, as well as Skymet, have made a forecast of "above normal" monsoon this year.