Rainfall deficit reaches 25%; night temperatures on the rise in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala’s rainfall deficit during the southwest monsoon season has increased to 25%. The state received 1,372.4 mm of rainfall until Wednesday, against the expected 1,837.1 mm. Idukki and Wayanad have recorded the highest deficits, at 46% and 52%, respectively.

While Kerala is experiencing intense heat during the day, night temperatures are also on the rise. Night-time temperatures have increased by up to 1.8 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature recorded on Wednesday was 26 degrees Celsius in Kochi and Kozhikode, while Thiruvananthapuram recorded 25 degrees Celsius.

A cyclonic circulation that has formed over the Bay of Bengal is expected to develop into a low-pressure area on Thursday. Even if the system does not bring rain, the clouds formed under its influence could provide some relief from the heat.

The southwest monsoon is expected to withdraw in September, followed by the onset of the northeast monsoon. Under the prevailing conditions, the northeast monsoon may arrive by mid-October. However, there are concerns over whether Kerala will receive the expected rainfall during the northeast monsoon this year due to the influence of El Niño.

Three days of isolated rain

Kerala is likely to receive isolated rainfall from Thursday to Saturday. A yellow alert has been issued for Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts on Thursday; Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam on Friday; and Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Ernakulam and Palakkad on Saturday.

“Isolated rain is expected over the next three days, but there is no possibility of heavy rainfall. September generally receives less rain during the southwest monsoon season, and this month is expected to be even drier than usual,” said Neetha K Gopal, Director of the Meteorological Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.