Weak monsoon persists in Kerala; rainfall deficit at 23%

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The southwest monsoon remains weak over Kerala, with the reduced strength of the westerly winds contributing to the subdued rainfall activity. Isolated heavy rainfall is very likely at some places in Kerala on Tuesday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Although several low-pressure systems have been developing over the country, they have so far not brought about a significant change in the atmospheric conditions over Kerala. Despite bouts of heavy rain that caused considerable damage in several districts, Kerala's overall rainfall deficit remains at 23 per cent. Against the normal rainfall of 1,588.4 mm, the state had received 1,222.7 mm until Monday.

The hill districts of Wayanad and Idukki recorded the highest deficits, at 51 per cent and 45 per cent, respectively. Ernakulam, Palakkad, Thrissur and Kollam also recorded below-average rainfall. Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kottayam, Kasaragod and Kannur received average rainfall.

Dam storage at 57%

The overall water level in reservoirs under the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) stands at 57 per cent. The corresponding level during the same period last year was 79 per cent.
Storage in the Idukki reservoir, which stood at 74 per cent during the same period last year, is currently at 55 per cent.