After 7 days’ delay, monsoon hits Kerala coast

KOCHI: The southwest monsoon has set in over Kerala, the India Meteorological Department said on Saturday. The monsoon, which arrived late by seven days, was weak with rain occurring in very few places in the state. IMD said it would intensify in the coming days.
Fairly widespread rainfall, with isolated heavy-to-very-heavy showers, was likely over Kerala, though there was no alert for the state for Sunday.Orange alert, however, has been sounded in Ernakulam and Malappuram districts.
The weatherman announced the onset of monsoon considering the enhanced cloudiness, westerlies gaining strength and a persistent cyclonic circulation over Lakshadweep and neighbouring regions.
Peermade in Idukki on Saturday reported heavy rainfall of 8 cm while Kannur received 5 cm. Agathi and Minicoy (Lakshadweep), Thodupuzha (Idukki) and Manjeri (Malappuram) recorded 2 cm each.