Southwest Monsoon to Hit Kerala Earlier by 25 May, Says IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said the southwest monsoon is likely to arrive in Kerala in the next four to five days, much earlier than the typical onset date of 1 June.

- VIJAY C. ROY

The IMD had earlier expected monsoon to reach Kerala by 27 May, with a model error of plus/minus four days. The early onset would not only bring relief from scorching heat but also boost the sowing of bumper crops such as rice, maize, cotton, so