Goa, June 2 -- IMD cites weak rain bands and sluggish monsoon progress; onset in Goa may be delayed beyond the normal June 5 arrival date.

Goa is likely to witness a delayed onset of the southwest monsoon this year, with weather officials indicating that the seasonal rains may arrive later than the state's normal onset date of June 5.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon's advance over the Arabian Sea has slowed due to weak rain-bearing systems and unfavourable conditions, affecting its northward progression along the west coast.

The IMD has projected that the monsoon is now likely to reach Kerala between June 2 and June 4, later than initially expected. Traditionally, the monsoon takes approximately a we...