Northeast Monsoon ended on a positive note for Peninsular India. The region recorded 4 percent surplus rainfall during this period. While the average rainfall for Peninsular India during the Northeast Monsoon stands at 480.7 mm, the region recorded 502.3 mm rainfall.
However, there has been very little rainfall activity after the departure of Northeast Monsoon. Kerala has remained practically dry during the first week of January. Not only this, the last week of December also observed no rainfall activity.
January is the least rainy month for Kerala. The state observes reduced rainfall activity with southern parts of the state recording more rainfall as compared to North Kerala. Subdued rainfall activity leads to high temperatures in the state.
While North Kerala receives rainfall in single digit, some pockets in South Kerala do receive double-digit rain. For instance for the month of January, the average rainfall for Kozhikode stands at 1.6 mm, Kannur 3.9 mm, Kottayam 9.7 mm. On the other hand, Kochi’s monthly average rain for January is 23 mm.
Dry weather conditions have resulted in increased temperatures for many parts of Kerala. The maximums are settling in the higher 30s resulting in discomfort. Yesterday, Kannur recorded 35.9°C as its maximum, which is the highest temperature for January in the last ten years.
Similarly, Kozhikode observed an all-time high maximum in January at 36.2°C. The city observed 36°C on January 30, 1975. Also, Alappuzha recorded 35.9°C as its day temperature. The normal temperature range for these cities is in the low 30s. Humidity levels remain high and residents continue to experience discomfort.
The situation is likely to remain the same for another week as no weather system is in the offing for Kerala and its adjoining areas.
Image Credit: traveldee.com
