Thiruvananthapuram: ‘Edavappathy’ (southwest monsoon) will be delayed by days in Kerala. Earlier, it was expected to hit the coasts of Kerala by Sunday.

The meteorological department had predicted the southwest monsoon to hit the coasts of Kerala by June 4. It should be noted that the southwest monsoon had reached the westside of Lakshadweep on June 3. However, it did not have favorable conditions to move further from there.

The meteorological department calculates the arrival of the monsoon based on certain conditions. This includes the strengthening of the west bound winds, and uniform cloud distribution, extending from Lakshadweep to Kerala. Another criterion is that 14 Met centers in Kerala shall receive at least 60 percent of rains(at least 2 mm rainfall) continuously for two days. However all these have not happened so far this year.

A whirlwind formation is expected over southwestern Arabian sea by Monday. Within two days, it might turn into a depression. The meteorological department will be closely monitoring the situation for next two days.