Below normal rain forecast for July raises concern for Kerala
Kerala is facing a significant rainfall deficit as the southwest monsoon underperforms, raising concerns about potential drought conditions. Meteorological experts cite global climate patterns like El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole as primary drivers for the weak monsoon flow.
Why it matters
The lack of rainfall threatens agricultural output and reservoir levels, which are critical for the state's water and energy security.
Although the southwest monsoon began on a pleasant note in Kerala, with light spells of rain across the State and without any extreme or inclement weather, the opening month of the rainy season ended on a sombre note, with a 34% rainfall deficit. Further, the forecast for July has compounded the concerns of the farming community, with below-normal rainfall predicted across the State by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The report relies on meteorological data and official forecasts from the IMD.
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