Monsoon to reach Kerala within four days; rainfall likely to be below normal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Meteorological Department has said that the southwest monsoon is expected to reach Kerala within the next four days. However, rainfall is likely to be lower than normal in Kerala and other parts of the country. India is expected to receive about 90% of its long-term average rainfall during the monsoon season. There is also a 60% chance that rainfall could fall below the 90% mark. Weather experts say the main reason is the possible strengthening of the El Niño phenomenon, which causes warming of the Pacific Ocean and can weaken monsoon rains.

Lower rainfall is a matter of concern for Kerala. A weak monsoon could lead to water shortages and even power supply issues, as the state depends heavily on hydroelectric power generation. The monsoon was earlier expected to arrive on May 26. At present, it has advanced over the Kanyakumari coast and Lakshadweep. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the rain currently being experienced in Kerala is pre-monsoon rainfall, which is expected to continue for another three days.

The weather department has also warned of isolated thunderstorms, rainfall, and strong winds until the monsoon officially sets in. The southwest monsoon has already covered most parts of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. A cyclonic circulation is also likely to develop over the central-east and southeast Bay of Bengal ahead of the monsoon. Heavy rainfall was recorded in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday. Today, isolated places in the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki, and Ernakulam may receive light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds reaching speeds of up to 40 kmph.