Heavy rain lashes state as monsoon becomes active

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The southwest monsoon has become active over Kerala with heavy rains lashing the state.

Widespread rains are likely to continue in the state in the next five days, said K Santosh of the Indian Meteorological Department's Thiruvananthapuram unit.

Fishermen have been warned that strong winds with speed reaching 35-45 km per hour gusting to 50 kmph is likely to hit the Kerala and Lakshadweep coast in the next 24 hours from 2pm on Thursday.

The state capital recorded 45.8 mm rainfall as per the weather chart at 8.30am, while the Trivandrum airport received 35.5mm rains.

Airport director said there have been no disruptions in flight services.

Kochi airport recorded 51.8mm rains, while in Kannur it was 30.2mm.

The southwest monsoon hit the state on May 28, marking the arrival of the rainy season in the country, private weather forecasting agency Skymet had said.