Kerala records 23% rainfall deficit this monsoon season: IMD

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has recorded a 23 per cent deficit in monsoon rainfall so far this season, accumulating 1,278.7 mm of precipitation against the normal average of 1,671.4 mm between June 1 and August 24, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Due to this shortfall, the meteorological department has officially categorised the state under the “deficient” rainfall bracket.

District-wise breakdown

Out of the state's 14 districts, only six- Kannur, Kasaragod, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram- received rainfall within the normal range, while the remaining eight registered deficient levels.

Wayanad suffered the highest shortfall at 51 per cent (1,039.7 mm vs 2,114.7 mm normal), followed by Idukki at 45 per cent (1,147.4 mm vs 2,092.5 mm normal). Other deficient regions are Kollam (30%), Thrissur and Lakshadweep (27%), Palakkad (26%), Alappuzha (25%), Ernakulam (22%) and Malappuram (21%).

Normal performance and nearby territories

Districts remaining within normal thresholds include Kannur with an 8 per cent deficit (2,081.1 mm vs 2,256.1 mm), Kasaragod with 15 per cent (2,093.5 mm vs 2,467.2 mm), Kottayam at 7 per cent and Kozhikode at 13 per cent and Pathanamthitta with 1,220 mm against a normal 1,250.2 mm.

Thiruvananthapuram recorded 629.6 mm against the normal 632.5 mm, reflecting almost no departure from average. Nearby Mahe logged a 15 per cent deficit (1,750.2 mm vs 2,052 mm) to stay in the normal category, whereas Lakshadweep fell into the deficient bracket with a 27 per cent gap (589.3 mm vs 803 mm).

IMD classification system

The IMD categorises seasonal precipitation departures into distinct bands: “large excess” (60% or more above normal), “excess" (20% to 59% above), "normal" (within 19% above or below), "deficient" (20% to 59% below), "large deficient" (60% to 99% below), and a 100 per cent deficit representing no rainfall.

PTI