Kerala Monsoon Crisis: Monsoon Weakens; Kerala Records 32% Rainfall Deficit After One and a Half Months
Kerala is facing a significant rainfall deficit one and a half months after the onset of the Southwest Monsoon.
Monsoon Weakens; Kerala Records 32% Rainfall Deficit After One and a Half Months
Kerala is facing a significant rainfall deficit one and a half months after the onset of the Southwest Monsoon. According to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for the period from June 1 to July 15, the state has received only 659.8 mm of rainfall against the normal 973 mm, resulting in a 32% rainfall deficit. Lakshadweep is also experiencing below-normal rainfall, recording a 23% deficit during the same period.
Even the Wettest Districts Are Below Normal
Kozhikode received the highest rainfall in the state with 1,042.9 mm, yet it remains 21% below normal. Kasaragod, the second wettest district, recorded 999.9 mm of rainfall but still reported a 32% deficit.
At the other end of the spectrum, Kollam received the least rainfall at just 393.5 mm. Thiruvananthapuram recorded 402.6 mm, but with only a 2% shortfall from its long-term average, it remains in the Normal Rainfall category.
Hill Districts Worst Affected
The rainfall shortage has been most severe in Kerala’s hill districts. Wayanad has recorded a 59% rainfall deficit, while Idukki has registered a 56% deficit, meaning these districts have received less than half of their normal monsoon rainfall.
According to weather observer Rajeevan Erikkulam, the primary reason is the generally weak monsoon flow this season. Insufficient moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea have reduced rainfall formation over the Western Ghats, leading to significantly lower precipitation in the high-range regions.
Only Two Districts in the ‘Normal’ Category
Out of Kerala’s 14 districts, only Kottayam (-13%) and Thiruvananthapuram (-2%) fall under the IMD’s Normal Rainfall category. The remaining 12 districts are classified as Rainfall Deficient.
Consecutive Years of Rainfall Deficit Raise Concerns
Rainfall data for the first one and a half months of the Southwest Monsoon show a persistent trend of below-normal rainfall in Kerala:
* 2026: 32% deficit
* 2025: 15% deficit
* 2024: 23% deficit
* 2023: 35% deficit
* 2022: 19% deficit
* 2021: 33% deficit
* 2020: 25% deficit
* 2019: 46% deficit
Impact on Power, Agriculture, and Water Resources
If the rainfall deficit continues, inflows into the state’s reservoirs are expected to decline, affecting hydroelectric power generation and drinking water supply. The agricultural sector, particularly paddy cultivation, could also face severe challenges. Weather experts warn that unless the second half of the monsoon brings widespread and substantial rainfall, Kerala’s rainfall deficit may worsen further, increasing the risk of water shortages and agricultural losses.
ശബരിമല: ഭക്തര് ദര്ശന സമയത്തില് മാറ്റം വരുത്തണമെന്ന് ദേവസ്വം ബോര്ഡ്
തീവ്ര മഴയെ തുടര്ന്ന് പമ്പാ നദിയില് വെള്ളപൊക്കം ഉണ്ടായ പശ്ചാത്തലത്തില് നിറപുത്തരി ചടങ്ങുകള്ക്ക് ശബരിമല നട തുറക്കുന്ന ഓഗസ്റ്റ് 2, 3 തീയതികളില് ശബരിമല ദര്ശനം നടത്താന് തീരുമാനിച്ചിട്ടുള്ള ഭക്തര് കഴിവതും യാത്ര ഒഴിവാക്കണമെന്ന് തിരുവിതാംകൂര് ദേവസ്വം ബോര്ഡ് അറിയിച്ചു.
ഓഗസ്റ്റ് മാസത്തില് തന്നെ ചിങ്ങമാസ പൂജകള്ക്കായും (ഓഗസ്റ്റ് 16 മുതല് 21 വരെയും) ഓണത്തോട് അനുബന്ധിച്ച പൂജകള്ക്കായും (ഓഗസ്റ്റ് 24 മുതല് 28 വരെയും) ശബരിമല നട തുറക്കുന്നുണ്ട്. ഇത് ദര്ശനത്തിനായി ഭക്തര്ക്ക് തിരഞ്ഞെടുക്കാവുന്നതാണെന്നും ബോര്ഡ് പറഞ്ഞു. കനത്ത മഴ തുടരുന്നതിനാലും മണ്ണിടിച്ചില് സാധ്യതയുള്ളതിനാലുമാണ് തിരുവിതാംകൂര് ദേവസ്വം ബോര്ഡ് ഭക്തരോട് ഇത്തരത്തില് ഒരു അഭ്യര്ത്ഥന നടത്തിയത്.
English Summary: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has requested devotees to avoid visiting the Sabarimala temple on August 2 and 3 during the Niraputhari rituals, following severe flooding in the Pamba River caused by heavy rainfall.
