IMD: Conditions favourable for monsoon onset

Kochi: Conditions are becoming favourable for the arrival of southwest monsoon over parts of south Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea and Andaman and Nicobar Islands by May 16, IMD said.The low-pressure area over southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal lay as a well-marked low-pressure area over the same region on Wednesday morning, with the associated cyclonic circulation extending up to 5.8km above mean sea level.Isolated heavy rainfall and scattered to fairly widespread thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds (30-50 kmph) are likely over Kerala in coming days. Ernakulam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod will be on yellow alert on Thursday. TNN