The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the Southwest Monsoon’s arrival over Kerala and its subsequent spread into specific Northeastern states is becoming increasingly likely within the next three to four days. As of May 28, 2024, the Southwest Monsoon has extended into previously uncharted areas of the South Arabian Sea and the Maldives.
Over the next three or four days, the IMD predicted that the favourable conditions would persist and allow the Southwest Monsoon to continue its forward movement into more regions of the South Arabian Sea, the remaining portions of the Maldives and Comorin region, some areas of the Lakshadweep area, Kerala, additional areas of the Southwest and Central Bay of Bengal, the Northeast Bay of Bengal, and parts of the Northeastern states.
IMD predicts above-normal rainfall across India
According to IMD, during the monsoon season from June to September 2024, above-normal rainfall is expected across the country. Central India and South Peninsular India are anticipated to receive rainfall exceeding 106% of the Long Period Average (LPA), while Northwest India is forecasted to experience normal rainfall ranging between 92-108% of LPA. Conversely, Northeast India is likely to encounter below-normal rainfall, falling below 94% of LPA.
Heavy rain lashes Kerala
According to the recent update from the Indian Meteorological Department, there will be moderate rainfall on Tuesday along with thunderstorms and gusty winds of up to 40 kmph in some areas of the districts of Kozhikode and Ernakulam. Furthermore, districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Malappuram are anticipated to see moderate rainfall. It is expected that the districts of Kannur and Palakkad would see isolated, light rainfall.
Meanwhile, the weather condition in Kerala on Tuesday, May 28, was characterised by strong winds and heavy rain, seriously impairing daily activities. Many main highways and narrow alleys in Kochi and the neighbouring areas were submerged due to persistent rains that started early in the morning. In several areas of the port city, flooded streets made it impossible for residents to leave their houses, which resulted in slow traffic on the highways.
Due to significant waterlogging, the unceasing rain also had an adverse effect on daily life in the Kakkanad-Infopark and Aluva-Edappally sectors. Since Monday night, the Thiruvananthapuram district has had significant rains in both urban and rural areas.
