New Delhi, May 15 -- India is likely to see the southwest monsoon arrive over Kerala around 26 May, according to the latest update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), raising hopes for a timely start to the crucial kharif sowing season despite forecasts of below-normal rainfall this year.

Last year, the monsoon reached Kerala on 24 May, eight days ahead of its normal onset date of 1 June.

"The southwest monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala on 26th May with a model error of ± 4 days," said IMD in its latest update.

The IMD also said conditions are favourable for the monsoon's advance over parts of the south Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands over the next 24 hours.

A timely onset is ex...