The monsoon missed its arrival date by five days
The monsoon has finally reached mainland India with two consecutive days of rain in Kerala.
People in state capital Thiruvananthapuram had been waiting for the rain, and the relief and excitement is visible.
"Monsoon brings in a great sense of joy. Even going to school becomes an energizing effort. It's a burst of energy," says Joseph Donjen, a student in his raincoat.
Many in Thiruvananthapuram rushed to Shanghmugham Beach to enjoy their first glimpse of the rain after the Meteorological department announced the onset of Monsoon.
The monsoon was expected to arrive on May 31, but missed its arrival date by five days, amidst fear of drought-like conditions and an intense heat wave elsewhere in the country.
According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) officials the monsoon has been delayed due to the weak winds and is likely to remain weak until Monday.
"We expect 88 per cent rainfall for Indian peninsular. Southern peninsular will receive 92 per cent rainfall. It is definitely a weak monsoon but if it is equitably distributed across the county, it may not affect the agricultural sector that much," said K Santosh, the IMD Director in Thiruvananthapuram.
The quantum of rainfall till July 15 is crucial and will be closely watched by experts to forecast the possibility of drought.
In the next 48 hours the monsoon is likely to advance to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu Coastal Andhra and parts of the North East India.