New Delhi: The Indian meteorological department (IMD), on Wednesday, said that the annual southwest monsoon, that was expected to hit Kerala by June 6, is likely to be delayed by a few days.”

The onset date of southwest monsoon in Kerala is normally June 1, after which it starts moving towards the rest of the Indian mainland for a period of the next 45 days.

“Monsoon is likely to arrive five to seven days later than its usual dates in various parts of south and central India”, said D Sivananda Pai, head of IMD’s long-range forecasting. He further added, “All-India rainfall in June is expected to be below normal.”

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"Although Kerala has been getting rain, monsoon is likely to be established only by Saturday", Pai indicated. Majority of the country is reeling under severe heatwave with the temperatures exceeding 50-degree celsius. The arrival of monsoon is likely to provide some relief from the scorching heat.