Mumbai: The southwest monsoon showers decided to  stay away from the Kerala coast, missing the forecast date of 29 May, much to the embarssment of the Indian Meteorological Department's (IMD).

However the IMD is hopeful that the monsoon will hit the southern state on 1 June.

The monsoon has not hit the Kerala coast as of yet though there have been signs of monsoon currents nearby, an official of the IMD stated.

Steady rainfall for 2 - 3 days marks the entry of the monsoon season and such an occurence is forecasted in 3 - 4 days, the official added.

The southwest monsoon clouds enter India from Kerala during early June, signaling the onset of the monsoon season in the country, which usually lasts till September.

The weather department has predicted a "normal" monsoon for this year, much to the relief of the government, trying to tackle inflation, fuelled by the soaring food prices.

A majority of Indian farmers depend on rainfall for agriculture and sufficient rains would ensure good agri produce for the country.