Wayanad receives 265 mm rain despite yellow alert; heavy showers to continue in northern districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Wayanad was under a yellow alert on Tuesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm of rainfall in 24 hours. However, the district received 265 mm of rain, far exceeding the forecast and even surpassing the threshold for a red alert. A red alert is issued when extremely heavy rainfall of more than 204.4 mm is expected within 24 hours.

Apart from Wayanad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod were also placed under a yellow alert for isolated heavy rainfall on Monday. The same alert remained in place on Tuesday until the IMD upgraded Kozhikode and Wayanad to a red alert in the afternoon.

Heavy rainfall is expected to continue in the northern districts of Kerala over the next two days. A yellow alert has been issued for Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, and Alappuzha. The weather department has also warned of strong winds along the coasts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.

Kerala records 28% rainfall deficit this monsoon

Despite the recent heavy rain, Kerala has recorded a 28% rainfall deficit since the start of the southwest monsoon on June 1. Wayanad has recorded the largest rainfall deficit in the state. Against the expected 917.5 mm of rainfall, the district has received only 372.4 mm, a shortfall of 59%.

Although the southwest monsoon has become active again across Kerala, the southern districts have not received the expected rainfall. According to weather officials, the strengthening of the westerly winds over Kerala, caused by a coastal trough extending from the south Gujarat coast to the north Kerala coast, is likely to bring more rain to northern Kerala in the coming days.