Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is on high alert as heavy rain accompanied by lightning and strong winds has been lashing the state from Thursday evening. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted isolated rainfall across the state until September 3. IMD has sounded a yellow alert for 10 districts- Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod.
La Nina effect to arrive in Sept
According to weather experts, the La Nina effect, which is expected to influence the southwest monsoon, will form in the Pacific Ocean only by the end of September. However, the lack of the La Nina phenomenon has not affected the rainfall levels across the country.
The absence of the La Niña phenomenon has not affected the overall rainfall in the country. According to the India Meteorological Department, there was a 16% increase in rainfall. In August alone, there was a 9% increase. If La Nina arrives towards the end of the monsoon in Kerala, there is a possibility of heavy rainfall.
In the state, there has been a 12% deficit in rainfall recorded between June and August. Instead of the expected 1,735.2 millimetres, only 1,534 millimetres of rainfall occurred. Kannur district received the most rainfall in the state—2337.3 millimetres. The districts with the highest rainfall deficits are Wayanad (28%), Idukki (31%), Alappuzha (22%), and Ernakulam (24%).
La Nina is part of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation, a well-known climate phenomenon that has widespread effects on climate and weather worldwide. During La Nina, sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific dip below normal. Easterly trade winds strengthen, allowing more cool water to well up along the equator off South America. That cooling affects the atmosphere in ways that reverberate across the planet.
Yellow alert in districts
Sept 1: Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
Sept 2: Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod
Sept 3: Ernakulam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod
A yellow alert indicates heavy rainfall ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority appealed to the public to exercise extreme caution during heavy rain to avoid lightning strikes and accidents. People residing in areas prone to landslides, river banks, and downstream areas of dams have been advised to be alert and evacuate to safer locations or camps as per the authorities' instructions.
