Rain chances return in Kerala; southwest monsoon to strengthen from Saturday

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The weak southwest monsoon will strengthen from Saturday in the state. The Meteorological Department assessed that widespread rains will occur as the westerly wind strengthens towards Kerala. It is likely to remain active for up to a week.

Although the monsoon arrived in the first week of June, it weakened within a few days. Similar to summer, the weather in most districts became hot, and electricity consumption increased. This led to power restrictions. KSEB is in dire crisis after the hope of the monsoon season bringing down electricity consumption was dashed.

Northern districts are likely to receive relatively heavy rains compared to southern Kerala. A yellow alert was issued for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts on Saturday. Heavy rain is likely in all districts except Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam on Sunday. An orange alert was issued for Kannur and Kasaragod districts as isolated areas are likely to receive very heavy rains on Monday. Fishing is also prohibited along the Kerala-Karnataka-Lakshadweep coasts from Saturday to Monday.

There was a 33 per cent reduction in rainfall in the state from June 1 to 25. Although 532.5 mm of rainfall was expected, 355.6 mm of rainfall was received. Wayanad received the least rainfall. Except for Pathanamthitta, Malappuram and Kottayam, there was a significant reduction in all districts.