Updated on May 21, 5:00 pm (IST): Southwest Monsoon has further advanced and arrived over Sri Lanka. It has covered entire Andaman Sea, some more parts of southeast, southwest and eastcentral Bay of Bengal.
The Northern Limit of Monsoon (NLM) is currently passing through Latitude 5°N and Longitude 79°E, Hambantot of Sri Lanka, Latitude 10°N and Longitude 86°E, Latitude 13°N and Longitude 89°E and Latitude 18°N and Longitude 95°E.
Updated on May 21, 1:20 pm (IST): Southwest Monsoon inches closer
Weather conditions are looking favourable for the advancement of the Southwest Monsoon indicating its timely onset over Kerala.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, weather models are showing that Monsoon current is likely to pick up, covering more parts of central and south Bay of Bengal, across Sri Lanka.
At present, persistent cloud mass can be seen over Central and Northeast Bay of Bengal across entire Arakan Coast and coastal parts of Myanmar. The region has been witnessing heavy rainfall for last few days, which can be considered as a precursor to Monsoon arrival.
As per Skymet, mass clouding over Arakan Coast is suggestive of formation of cyclonic circulation, which is expected to further intensify into a low-pressure area. This system will then influence the Monsoon surge and finally bringing it over Kerala.
Though rains have reduced over the peninsular region, it is not a cause of worry. Rains during this period wax and wane from time to time, which is not a constant feature.
Other conditions are also conducive such as oceans are fairly warm and Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is also active.
The Southwest Monsoon had arrived over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on last Saturday, May 16, which was 4 days prior to the onset date of May 20. In the wake of this, Bay of Bengal has been witnessing heavy rain for the past few days.
As reiterated by Skymet, we expect the timely arrival of the much awaited Southwest Monsoon over Kerala.
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