NEW DELHI, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Southwest monsoon Tuesday hit India's southern state of Kerala, Meteorological Department officials said.

The monsoons, according to officials, have arrived three days ahead of its schedule.

"Today, the southwest monsoon has further advanced into remaining parts of southeast Arabian Sea, Comorin-Maldives area, entire Lakshadweep, most parts of Kerala, some parts of Tamil Nadu and some more parts of southwest, central and northeast Bay of Bengal," reads a statement issued by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

According to IMD, conditions are favourable for further advance of Southwest Monsoon into some parts of central Arabian Sea, remaining parts of Kerala, some parts of coastal and south interior Karnataka, some more parts of east central and northeast Bay of Bengal, and some parts of northeastern states during next 48 hours.

Reports said there is an off-shore vortex over Kerala which is also moving northwards, favouring the advance of southwest monsoon over the mainland.

IMD has predicted normal monsoon for the ongoing year.?