Kerala Weather: Thiruvananthapuram Gets Rains As Monsoon Is Delayed

Residents of Thiruvananthapuram woke up to overcast skies and heavy downpours on Thursday morning. However, these showers do not signal the official arrival of the southwest monsoon, as per the weather agency.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon has missed its anticipated onset date of 26 May for Kerala. The delay is attributed to a sudden weakening of the monsoon winds. Instead, the current deluge gripping the state capital and surrounding regions is being driven by a cyclonic circulation persisting over the south Arabian Sea and its neighbouring areas.

However, the IMD noted on Wednesday that the monsoon has made progress elsewhere, advancing into further pockets of the southwest and southeast Arabian Sea, the Lakshadweep area, and parts of the Bay of Bengal.

"Conditions remain favourable for the further advance of the southwest monsoon into more parts of the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, and the Bay of Bengal over the next two to three days," the IMD stated.

The IMD had previously forecast the monsoon's arrival in Kerala for 26 May, allowing for a model error margin of plus or minus four days. Typically, the country's four-month rainy season commences around 1 June. By comparison, last year's monsoon made an early entry on 24 May.

The stakes are incredibly high, as India relies on the June-to-September monsoon for over 70 per cent of its annual rainfall. This moisture is vital for the agricultural sector, drinking water reserves, hydroelectric power generation, and the replenishment of groundwater tables.

Alarmingly, the IMD's April forecast indicated that this year's seasonal rainfall is expected to be below normal. The country is projected to receive roughly 80 cm of rain, falling short of the long-period average (1971-2020) of 87 cm.

It has to be noted that the country gets over 70 per cent of its annual rainfall during the monsoon months. Thus, making the season critical for farming, drinking water supply, hydroelectric power generation and groundwater replenishment.

With inputs from PTI