monsoons

NEW DELHI: Monsoon rains are likely to hit the southern coast, as expected, on May 31, a weather office source said on Friday.

The four-month long rainy season starts over the Kerala coast and covers the rest of India and neighbouring countries by mid-July. The rains are crucial for the country's agriculture sector and influences any growth prospect.

The source said the monsoon rains were likely to arrive over the Andamans coast around May 20.