New Delhi: The southwest monsoon finally reached Kerala on Thursday, delayed by seven days than its usual date of onset, Indian Meteorological Department said.

The weatherman had earlier said that Cyclone 'Biparjoy' had been affecting the strength of the monsoon and its onset is likely to be mild over Kerala.

In a statement today, the IMD said, "The southwest monsoon has set in over Kerala today, June 8."

"The monsoon has advanced into the remaining parts of the south Arabian Sea and some parts of the central Arabian Sea, the entire Lakshadweep area, most parts of Kerala, most parts of south Tamil Nadu, the remaining parts of the Comorin area, Gulf of Mannar and some more parts of southwest, central and northeast Bay of Bengal today," it added.

The monsoon usually hits Kerala on June 1 but a delay of seven days is considered normal. In mid-May, the IMD had said the monsoon might enter Kerala by June 4.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has previously stated that India is likely to experience average rainfall during the southwest monsoon season, despite the changing El Nino conditions.

In terms of specific regions, Northwest India is expected to receive normal or slightly below normal. The East and Northeast, Central, and South Peninsula regions are expected to receive rainfall within the range of 94-106 percent of the long-term average, indicating normal levels.

Rainfall below 90 percent of the long-term average is considered deficient, while rainfall between 90 percent and 95 percent is considered below normal.

Rainfall between 105 percent and 110 percent is categorised as above normal, and any rainfall exceeding 100 percent is considered excess precipitation.