Monsoon to hit Kerala coast on May 27, quickest in last 5 years: IMD

Timely monsoon rains are critical for India's economy and food supply a time when the country is battling soaring prices.

In what could bring relief to Indians reeling from the intense heat, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said the southwest monsoon over the Kerala coast was expected on May 27, four days ahead of the normal date and the quickest since 2017.

The forecast is with a model error of plus and minus four days.

Private weather forecasting agency Skymet too said on Friday the rains would reach the Indian mainland on May 26.

Skymet’s prediction is with a model error of plus and minus three days.

Though a good sign, the timely onset of the monsoon does not guarantee strong progress