Kerala receives double its average rainfall in a week; Heavy rain expected to continue

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has been experiencing intense rainfall for the past few days, though the intensity has now reduced. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rain in certain districts of North Kerala for the next two days. Over the past week, Kerala has received more than double its average rainfall due to the concentrated monsoon activity.

A yellow alert was issued on Saturday for Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts, extending to Kannur and Kasaragod on Sunday. The intensity of the rain is expected to decrease after this period, though showers are likely to continue in various parts of the state until July 23.

Kerala was supposed to receive 150 mm of rainfall from July 13 to 19. However, the state recorded 315.5 mm, marking a 110 percent increase. Kannur has seen the highest increase, with 171 percent more rain than average. Kozhikode has recorded 132 percent more rainfall, Mahe 160 percent, and Wayanad 95 percent.

The intensified rainfall can be linked to the low-pressure area formed in the Bay of Bengal near the Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh coasts. This low pressure is expected to cross the Odisha coast by Saturday morning, although it is unlikely to develop into a cyclone. It may change direction and weaken thereafter.

Due to the weather conditions, fishing activities have been banned along the coasts of Kerala and Lakshadweep on Saturday, and the ban will extend to Karnataka’s coast until July 23.