The southwest monsoon continues to remain weak over Kerala, although the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light rain or thundershowers at a few places across the state until July 19. Despite the expected rainfall, the IMD has not issued any alerts for heavy rain, thunderstorms or strong winds over land.
Gold 101.3FM, UAE’s No.1 radio station, reports that rainfall activity has remained subdued, with the highest rainfall recorded in the 24 hours ending Tuesday morning being just 1 cm each at Kumarakom in Kottayam, Laha in Pathanamthitta and Udumbannoor in Idukki.
While weather conditions over land remain relatively calm, the IMD has warned of squally winds of 45 to 55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, over the west-central and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea, the north Arabian Sea and parts of the southwest Arabian Sea until Friday. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during this period.
The southwest monsoon reached Kerala on June 4, four days later than its normal onset date of June 1. Since then, rainfall has remained below normal, with the country’s cumulative rainfall recording a 14 per cent deficit between June 1 and July 9. The IMD has also indicated that rainfall during July is likely to remain below the seasonal average.
