The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rain alert as the southwest monsoon is set to begin over parts of the south Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea on May 16.
According to a statement from the Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre, the onset this year is expected around five days earlier than the usual schedule.
The weather office said the monsoon conditions are developing over the south Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, and advised people to stay alert to changing weather.
Further updates are expected from the Chennai IMD as the monsoon progresses across the region.
