Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 17 (IANS): Kerala has recorded a 28 per cent deficit in southwest monsoon rainfall so far this year, with Wayanad and Idukki among the districts worst affected, according to the latest figures from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The rainfall data released by the Weather Department covers the period from June 1 to September 17, showing that the state has received substantially less rain than normal during the current monsoon season.
Wayanad has recorded the highest rainfall deficit in the state at 54 per cent, while Idukki has registered a deficit of 47 per cent.
The significant shortfall in rainfall in the two major high range districts has raised concerns as the southwest monsoon season enters its final phase.
Weather officials have attributed the weaker monsoon conditions to the influence of the El Nino phenomenon, which has affected the atmospheric and oceanic conditions associated with the southwest monsoon.
The rainfall deficit comes even as Kerala continues to experience high temperatures in several parts of the state.
The combination of deficient rainfall and persistent heat has made weather conditions unusual for the latter part of the monsoon season.
Punalur recorded the highest temperature in the state at 37 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.
Thiruvananthapuram city also experienced high temperatures, with the mercury touching 35.4 degrees Celsius.
Despite the overall rainfall deficit, the Weather Department has forecast the possibility of heavy rain at isolated places in the state in the coming days.
The expected showers, however, may not immediately make up for the accumulated rainfall deficit.
The weather pattern has also been marked by considerable variation across the state, with some areas receiving spells of rain while several other regions continue to remain comparatively dry.
The Weather Department is closely monitoring the changing conditions, with isolated heavy rainfall expected even as the state continues to face an overall shortage in monsoon rainfall.
