A day after the delayed onset of southwest monsoon in Kerala, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning of a cyclonic storm advancing towards the south coast. But the cyclone, according to the Skymet Weather, is expected to be good news for Mumbai.
The storm will bring with itself moderate spells of rainfall on June 12, 2019 and reduce temperatures in the city by two to three degrees Celsius. By June 15, the intensity of rainfall will increase and south-easterly winds would turn sea conditions rough over the west coast near Maharashtra, according to Skymet.
Also, Lakshadweep may receive widespread rainfall in the coming three days. Only coastal Karnataka and Kerala have been warned to be prepared for heavy rainfall and very heavy rainfall on June 12.
Wind speed is likely to increase to 40-60 kilometres per hour (kmph) over Lakshadweep, Kerala, Karnataka, and south Maharashtra on June 11. The next day, wind speed is likely to increase to 70-90 kmph and 90-110 kmph by June 13.
IMD officials have advised fishermen not to venture into above sea areas.
After the low pre-monsoon rainfall in last three months, conditions are becoming favourable for monsoon to progress into remaining parts of Lakshadweep, Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu during the next 24 hours. It is a good sign because southwest monsoon provides 75 per cent of total rainfall to India.
The IMD had on May 31 said the 2019 southwest monsoon season (June to September) will be normal.