Kerala gears up for season’s first showers today

Going by the prediction of the India Meteorological Department, monsoon clouds are expected to break over the state, its entry point to India, by Tuesday noon.

Going by the prediction of the India Meteorological Department, monsoon clouds are expected to break over the state, its entry point to India, by Tuesday noon.

Going by the prediction of the India Meteorological Department, monsoon clouds are expected to break over the state, its entry point to India, by Tuesday noon. ( Photo by Sonu Mehta/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times)

Dark clouds had started hovering over the state’s sky since Monday afternoon giving enough hints of an impending monsoon. The southwest monsoon that accounts for four-fifths of the nation’s rainfall is crucial for the country’s economy. With the rains around the corner, the financially affluent members of society are all set to seek rejuvenation therapy. Ayurveda resorts and spas are getting ready for the kill. The state’ s thriving umbrella industry is also geared up for the season.

The government has alerted local bodies to get ready to face the after-effects of the heavy downpour. “We have asked all departments to keep a vigil,” state health minister Shylaja Teacher said.

For the fishermen the rains signal the onset of gloomy days. A trawling ban has been imposed in the state and strong winds will keep the fishermen, who rely on traditional fishing methods, away from the sea.