As Kerala continues to roast in the summer heat, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) says the State may have to wait for the summer showers to cool things down. The overall rainfall deficiency in March stands at 46%.
The rainfall over the State in March had not increased as expected, K Santhosh, director, IMD Meteorological Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, said. “There is rainfall, but is scattered. Rainfall was recorded on March 18, 19 and 20, but then it decreased. Normally, in April the summer rainfall picks up only after the middle of the month,’’ Mr. Santhosh said.
Most districts can expect a ‘dry run’ till March 31, as per a five-day IMD forecast issued on Wednesday. Alappuzha is likely to receive rainfall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Kollam, Idukki, Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur, Thrissur and Malappuram could expect showers on one or two days.
ADVERTISEMENT
Meanwhile, the IMD reported an overall rainfall deficiency of 46% in the State, even as eight districts experienced ‘large deficiency’. Though the normal rainfall expected from March 1 to March 27 is 24.2 mm, the actual rainfall received is only 13 mm. Alappuzha (-75%), Kannur (-89%), Ernakulam (-89%) Kozhikode (-84%), Malappuram (-69%), Palakkad (-92%), Thiruvananthapuram (-99%) and Thrissur (-73%) reported 'large deficiency' (above 60%) in the March rainfall. Wayanad, Kottayam and Idukki reported 'deficient' rainfall. Kasaragod has received no rainfall in March, while Paathanmthitta recorded normal showers. Kollam alone recorded 28% excess rainfall during the period.