Monsoon yet to pick up pace, 64% rain deficiency in Kerala

KOCHI: It has been almost a month since the onset of the southwest monsoon in state but rainfall activity remains weak across Kerala. Normally, the state should receive an average of 65cm rainfall, from June 1 to 30. However, the state has received only 176.9mm rainfall during June 1 to 23 against the normal expected rainfall of 488.6mm.
The state's rainfall deficiency is 64% till date, which means it is in the large-deficient category.All districts have shortages of more than 30% with highest deficiency reported from Wayanad 81%. Above 60% deficiency has been reported from Kannur, Idukki, Kasaragod, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur and Wayanad.
However, IMD has indicated that the southwest monsoon continues to advance further into the country. It said that the state will receive isolated heavy rainfall from Sunday to Tuesday. Yellow alert for 7-11cm rainfall is issued for Ernakulam and Idukki on Sunday. There's warning for isolated heavy rainfall for Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki districts for Monday and Tuesday.
Thunderstorms with lightning accompanied by gusty wind speed reaching 30-40kmph is very likely to occur at one or two places in Kerala from Sunday to Tuesday. Squally weather with wind speed reaching 40-45kmph gusting to 55kmph is likely along and off Kerala coast. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea area till Tuesday.
Squally wind speed reaching 45-55kmph, gusting to 65kmph, likely over west central and southwest Arabian Sea and Gulf of Mannar. Squally weather speed reaching 40-45kmph, gusting to 50kmph, is very likely along and off Kerala-Karnataka-Maharashtra coasts, Lakshadweep area, southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal.