Monsoon to gain strength by weekend

The Southwest monsoon, which remained sluggish for two weeks in Kerala, is likely to gain strength by this weekend, along with the expected domination of westerlies in the lower tropospheric levels over central and peninsular India. 

The resumption of the northward progression of the monsoon, coupled with the likely formation of seasonal trough near its normal position, with the eastern end likely to shift southward during the course of this week, may enhance rainfall activity across the State especially in north and central Kerala .

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, warning of isolated heavy rains, for five districts in north Kerala from Kasaragod to Malappuram on Saturday (June 27), and for 12 districts on Sunday (June 28) except for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. Kasaragod and Kannur have been put on orange alert on Monday with the warning of intense heavy spell.

In addition, the Bay of Bengal is getting ready to host the first major system during the first of July. The combination of a slew of weather systems during the end of June and first of July will aid the resumption of the stalled monsoon rainfall activity.