Monsoon normal, to hit capital by July 1

Although the severe cyclonic storm over the Arabian sea Phet has affected the spread of monsoon in southern India, it is likely to be get normal by next week, IMD director general Ajit Tyagi said.

The monsoon this year will be normal, and the rains it brings are likely to hit the Indian capital by the start of July, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said Friday.

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Although the severe cyclonic storm over the Arabian sea Phet has affected the spread of monsoon in southern India, it is likely to be get normal by next week, IMD director general Ajit Tyagi said.

"Phet has weakened and moved towards Karachi via Oman. Due to the cyclone monsoon activity in southern India has subdued for two-three days," he said. "But now monsoon is reviving in Kerala and Karnataka."

Tyagi said that monsoon was expected to start progressing towards the north from Sunday.

It will reach Mumbai by June 10-11 and then advance towards the northeastern state. "Monsoon activity is expected to be completely normal by next week," he said.

By June 13-14 monsoon will cover the southern peninsula.

"There will be respite from the heat wave the coming week. The monsoon activity will cover the country by July and between June 28 and July 1 it is likely to hit the capital," he said.

"Every weather model is indicating that monsoon is picking up and there are favourable condition which are developing for monsoon to move towards the north. We expect monsoon to be normal this year," he added.