Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is likely to experience heavy rainfall until mid-October, extending beyond the official monsoon period, which typically spans from June 1 to September 30. As the monsoon begins its retreat from northwest Rajasthan, meteorologists predict that Kerala will continue to receive significant rain in the coming weeks. This is due to the possibility of a low-pressure system or cyclone forming in the Bay of Bengal, a pattern that has occurred in previous years around late September or early October. If such a weather system develops this year, it could lead to additional downpours for the state and other southern regions of India, potentially prolonging the rainy season by 15 to 20 days.
While Kerala has seen an overall 13% deficit in rainfall between June 1 and September 23, the situation varies across districts. The state received 1,709 mm of rain during this period, compared to the expected 1,957 mm. Some districts, including Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Wayanad, experienced less rainfall than normal, while the remaining 10 districts saw adequate precipitation. Kannur, in particular, recorded 15% more rainfall than usual. On the other hand, Idukki faces a 33% rainfall shortfall, raising concerns for the state’s electricity supply, as the district’s hydropower reservoirs depend heavily on monsoon rains.
As Kerala continues to brace for more rain, this extended monsoon period may impact various sectors, especially agriculture and power generation, while providing some relief to districts facing water shortages.
