New Delhi, June 5 (IANS): Conditions are favourable for the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala by Friday, the Met Office said Thursday.
"Conditions are favourable for the onset of southwest monsoon over Kerala and its further advancement into parts of south Arabian Sea, parts of Maldives-Comorin area, Tamil Nadu and Bay of Bengal during the next 24 hours (by Friday)," the India Meteorological Department weather bulletin said.
"Conditions are also favourable for advancement of southwest monsoon into some parts of northeastern state during the next 48 hours (by Saturday)," it added.
The onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala signals the arrival of monsoon in the country and represents the beginning of the rainy season over the Indian subcontinent.
The normal date of onset of monsoon over Kerala is June 1. And once the monsoon sets in over the state, it advances northwards and covers the entire country by July 15.