Delayed monsoon in Kerala this year? Weather experts respond

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Indian Meteorological experts opined that the downpour Kerala currently receive is not part of the monsoon. The Meteorological Department had earlier predicted that the monsoon would arrive in Kerala today. There is also an indication that the monsoon will be stronger this time.

In the current situation, the monsoon is expected to arrive in Kerala by the first of next month. Meteorologists believe that the rain and thunderstorms currently happening in Kerala are a prelude to the incoming monsoon. Such thunderstorms and rains occur when a tmosphere change from one season to another. Meteorological centres warned of heavy rain in many places in Kerala this week.

Monsoon will be declared in Kerala only if 2.5 millimetres of rain is received in 60% of the rain gauges at the rain observation stations in Kerala and Lakshadweep. The westerly winds on the north Kerala coast are currently weak. The westerly winds need to strengthen for the monsoon to arrive. Scientists suggest that it may take another day or two.

All the conditions are currently favourable for the monsoon. The indications are that the rain clouds are on the right track, and sufficient rainfall will be beneficial for the agricultural sector. Kerala survived an extreme summer in the months of April-May this year. It was considered the hottest summer the state encountered in the past few decades, tormenting the agriculture sector.