THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The past few days were the rainiest January days in thirty years. The North-East Monsoon was 26% less in 2020 and water scarcity was expected to worsen. However, due to climate change, the state received above average rainfall this month - 20.7 mm. The coming days will also be rainy.

The combination of the three factors is responsible for the delayed rainfall. This is due to the strong easterly winds in the Bay of Bengal, the global monsoon (Madden-Julian oscillation) reaching the Indian Ocean, and the northern Indian winter winds blowing more into the Arabian Sea. In previous years, all three factors were not favorable in January. This time it was due to climate change. Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal are also preparing the ground for rain.

Strong east westerly winds will prevent the entry of weak dry cold winds from northern India into Kerala. Moist easterly winds will bring rain. This will bring rain instead of cold.

• 50% extra rain till yesterday.
• Pathanamthitta 49.9 mm
• Alappuzha 32.4 mm
• Kannur 32.3 mm
• Ernakulam 34.2 mm
• More than average rainfall in other districts as well

Farmers were concerned due to January rains. It is estimated that the production of rainfed crops, which are out of tune with the agricultural calendar, will be significantly reduced.