Thiruvananthapuram | The IMD on Monday said the southwest monsoon is likely to arrive in Kerala around May 26.
It said the arrival of the monsoon could vary by four days, either before or after May 26.
The India Meteorological Department added that heavy rain accompanied by lightning and strong winds is likely in parts of Kerala and Mahe over the next five days.
It said this may be due to a cyclonic circulation over south coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas, leading to the formation of a low-pressure area over Kerala, south interior Karnataka, Rayalaseema, and the southeast Arabian Sea adjoining south Lakshadweep.
It further said the southwest monsoon has advanced into most parts of the southeast Arabian Sea and some parts of the Kanyakumari region.
It has also advanced into most parts of the southwest and southeast Bay of Bengal, most of the Andaman Sea, across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and parts of the east-central Bay of Bengal, the IMD said.
The IMD also issued an 'orange alert' for two districts and a 'yellow alert' for 10 districts in Kerala for the day, as rains lashed several parts of the state.
An 'orange alert' was issued for Kannur and Kasaragod districts, while a 'yellow alert' was issued for 10 districts, except Thrissur and Palakkad.
For Tuesday, the IMD issued a 'yellow alert' for nine districts.
An 'orange alert' indicates very heavy rainfall of 11 cm to 20 cm, while a 'yellow alert' indicates heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.
