Monsoon Strengthens in Kerala, Idukki Sees Highest Rainfall

The southwest monsoon has revived in Kerala, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall across central and northern parts of the State over the past few days. The rains are being driven by a deep depression over west-central Chhattisgarh and adjoining regions of Vidarbha and southeast Madhya Pradesh.

Idukki Records Highest Rainfall

Peerumedu in Idukki district received the highest rainfall in the State, recording 11 cm in the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, July 31. Vythiri in Wayanad and Ayyankunnu in Kannur followed with 9 cm each, while Munnar in Idukki recorded 7 cm. Strong westerly to northwesterly winds are prevailing over Kerala and the Lakshadweep region in the lower tropospheric levels, further contributing to the rainfall.

Flight Diversions Due to Bad Weather

The adverse weather conditions also disrupted air travel. Two flights—an IndiGo Kochi-Male flight and an Air India Express Bengaluru-Kochi flight—were diverted to Thiruvananthapuram international airport due to poor weather at their original destinations. Authorities confirmed that the flights would resume once conditions improve at the respective airports.

IMD Issues Alerts Amid Moderate Rainfall

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for 11 districts on Friday, warning of intense heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. However, only moderate rainfall was recorded across the State, including in districts under the orange alert. A yellow alert has also been issued for Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram, cautioning against isolated heavy rainfall.

Rainfall Likely to Subside

According to the IMD, the deep depression is expected to weaken into a depression over the next 12 hours. The monsoon trough, currently south of its normal position, has facilitated the formation of this weather system over the Bay of Bengal. However, it is likely to shift northwards in the coming days, leading to a reduction in rainfall activity over Kerala and the southern peninsula.

This renewed monsoon activity, though moderate, has brought temporary relief to Kerala, but disruptions such as flight diversions highlight the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns.

Source: The Hindu