Rain relief in coming days for Kerala; Special alert issued for two districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rains may soon lash across the state to provide much-needed relief from the scorching heat. The Indian Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert in two districts. There is a cautionary warning for Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts. The possibility of isolated heavy rains is predicted.

Heavy rains are defined as 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm of rain received in 24 hours. Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department has informed that there is no obstacle to fishing on the Kerala - Karnataka - Lakshadweep coasts today.

As the southwest monsoon is set to withdraw this month, the state is facing a 23 per cent rainfall deficit. The heat is also intense. The temperature in Punalur has crossed 35 degrees. The temperature in other districts is also rising.

There has been no rain in Kerala for the past week. When the monsoon started on June 1st, a decent season of rainfall was expected, but all hopes got dashed. The El Niño phenomenon was the culprit. From August 27 to September 2, there was a 64 per cent rainfall deficit. During this period, only 27.4 mm of rain fell instead of the expected 76.2 mm. Although 1769.9 mm of rain was expected since June, only 1369.6 mm has fallen.