Kerala welcomes rain on environment day; Mumbai awaits

World Environment Day on Friday heralded the onset of monsoon in Kerela. Rain-bearing clouds showered the southern state of India with relief from the climbing temperatures in the afternoon.

Although Maharashtra will have to wait awhile before its date to welcome the rains arrives, Mumbaikars would do well to carry umbrellas with them, as the Indian Meteorological Department forecast predicts a chance of rain or thunderstorm in the city.

Deputy director general of the IMD Dr KS Hosalikar, "We are not talking about Maharashtra yet, we only release 48-hour forecasts once the monsoon reaches the land. Depending on the monsoon currents and the winds, we may be able to determine its arrival in a day or two."

"According to the present 48-hour forecast, rains will be reaching parts of Tamil Nadu, Central Arabian Sea, Karnataka, some parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Bay of Bengal," he added.

Earlier, Hosalikar had said statistically monsoon rains reach Maharashtra 10 days after they arrive in Kerala.

The weather in Mumbai remained pleasant throughout Friday, with the sky being partially cloudy throughout the city. The IMD forecast, however, predicts chances of rain or thunderstorm in the next week.

The maximum temperature in the city stood constant at 34 degrees Celsius and minimum at 28 degrees Celsius. The humidity was relatively high at 80%.