New Delhi, May 20 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said the southwest monsoon is likely to arrive in Kerala within the next four to five days, much earlier than the typical onset date of 1 June.

The IMD had earlier expected monsoon to reach Kerala by 27 May, with a model error of plus/minus four days.

The early onset would not only bring relief from scorching heat but also boost the sowing of bumper crops such as rice, maize, cotton, soybean and other oilseeds.

"If it advances at current pace and other conditions remain conducive, we expect that the conditions are likely to become favourable for monsoon onset over Kerala during in next 4-5 days," said a senior IMD official.

Last year, the monsoon reached the coa...