Thiruvananthapuram: Monsoon will be delayed by two-three days this year, the weather office said on Saturday.
The Indian Metrological Department (IMD) further said that heat wave conditions in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will prevail till the onset of the monsoon, and added that there had been a drop in temperature in the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh.
"In next 2-3 days monsoon may enter Kerala," ANI quoted Meteorological Department (IMD) official M Narsimha Rao as saying.
"In the last week of May and in the first week of June, before the onset of monsoon, the severe heat wave conditions will prevail. This is a normal trend, but this year, the heat wave conditions developed after May 20, particularly in Telangana, is continuing till now. The conditions are very severe in Hyderabad, Nizamabad, Karim Nagar, Warangal and Nalgonda districts," he added.
Earlier, the weather office had predicted the arrival of the Monsoon by May 30.
Strong winds from north westerly direction having a speed of 45-55 kmph were likely to hit the Kerala coast and Lakshadweep during the next 24 hours commencing from 2 pm on Friday, another India Meteorological Department (IMD) official had said earlier.
The official also warned fishermen not to venture into the sea in view of the strong winds.
Scanty rainfall was recorded at most places over Lakshadweep, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka on Friday.
The IMD in its long range prediction, forecast a 'below normal' monsoon rainfall pattern over the entire south-west monsoon season this year.
Meanwhile, the death toll in Andhra Pradesh, due to intense heat wave, has reached 1636. The most affected districts in the state were Prakasam and Guntur with 333 and 233 deaths respectively.
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have cancelled doctors' leave and advised people not to head outside in the middle of the day to avoid the worst of the heat.
However for many people, staying indoors isn't much better as the weather conditions have also resulted in frequent power cuts.
(With Agency inputs)
