Highest Rains In 60 Years, Yet No Respite At Sight For Kerala As Another Low-Pressure Area Forms
In 2021, till November 24, Kerala has received 3523.3 mm rain, this is even more than the 3,518.9 mm rains in 2018 when the state was hit by what was described as the flood of the century.
In fact, the 3523.3 mm rain so far this year is the second-highest rainfall recorded in Kerala until now.
In 1961, Kerala had received 4,257 mm rains which are the highest recorded.
According to data, Kerala has received 110% excess rainfall this year than average.
Right from the start of 2021, Kerala has been receiving heavy rains - even before the onset of the annual monsoon season in June.
As per the IMD data, Kerala received more than average rains in the months of January, March, April, May, September, October and November.
The highest rainfall this year was recorded in October, 590 mm, where the average is 303 mm.?
Interestingly, in June, July and August, during the southwestern monsoon the rainfall recorded was below average.
With another cyclonic circulation in the Bay of Bengal, which could form a Low-Pressure Area by Monday, the India Meteorological Department has forecasted more rains for the next five days.
The cyclonic circulation lies over southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal, an IMD press release said.
"Under its influence, a Low Pressure Area is likely to form over southwest Bay of Bengal during next 24 hours. It is likely to move west northwestwards towards Sri Lanka and south Tamil Nadu coast," it added.
The IMD forecast light to moderate, scattered/fairly widespread rainfall as "very likely" over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema, south interior Karnataka, Kerala, Mahe Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal during the next five days.
Many have blamed the excess rains this year in Kerala on climate change and global warming.
Climate scientists have said that both the water and surface temperature of the Arabian Sea has risen from the normal of 27 degrees to up to 29 degrees, which is causing the frequent formation of low-pressure areas and cyclonic circulations, resulting in heavy rains.
They have also warned that this could be the new normal for Kerala in the coming years.
Many have also pointed out that the weather patterns in Kerala changed visibly over the past years as a direct consequence of the destruction of the Western Ghats, for agriculture, infrastructure projects, and mining.
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