Keralam witnesses 7th-lowest southwest monsoon season
Kerala has recorded its seventh-lowest southwest monsoon rainfall since 1901, with a 28% deficit that has triggered drought-like conditions. The state is now looking toward the northeast monsoon for relief, though forecasts suggest potential challenges due to El Niño.
Why it matters
The significant rainfall deficit threatens water security and hydropower generation in the region.
The southwest monsoon has officially ended in Keralam with the State recording a 28% rainfall deficit—it received 1,446.5 mm of rain against the normal 2,018.6 mm— leaving large parts of the State facing drought-like conditions.
This is the 7th-lowest southwest monsoon rainfall recorded in the State since 1901 and the fourth-lowest since 2001.
Idukki and Wayanad, two districts that account for a major share of Keralam’s large reservoirs and hydropower generation capacity, were among the worst-affected, each receiving around 50% less rainfall than normal. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, nearly 70% of the State remained significantly rain-deficient at the end of the season on September 30 with eight districts recording deficits of 20-53% and six districts reporting deficits ranging from 0% to 20%.
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