Thiruvananthapuram,27 May (H.S.): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast isolated light rainfall in parts of Kerala on Wednesday, even as concerns grow over a possible delay in the onset of the southwest monsoon due to weakening monsoon winds and the impact of the El Niño phenomenon.
According to the IMD, isolated places in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts are likely to receive light rain during the day. However, no district in the state has been placed under any special rain alert.
The weather department has also warned of the possibility of thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 40 kmph in isolated areas across the state. Authorities have advised the public to remain cautious during lightning activity and sudden weather changes.
Meteorological officials said the southwest monsoon, which was earlier expected to arrive in Kerala by May 26, is now likely to be delayed until the first week of June. The delay is being attributed to weak monsoon currents over the Arabian Sea and surrounding regions.
The IMD has further indicated that the monsoon this year could remain weaker than normal due to the anticipated influence of El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean. El Niño is known to affect rainfall patterns across India and can weaken seasonal monsoon activity.
Meanwhile, rough sea conditions and strong winds are expected over several coastal regions. The IMD has warned that wind speeds ranging from 40 to 50 kmph, and occasionally touching 60 kmph, are likely over the Tamil Nadu coast, Kanyakumari region, Gulf of Mannar, Sri Lankan coast, south Bay of Bengal and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal areas.
The National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has also issued alerts regarding the possibility of coastal erosion and high waves due to the “Kallakkadal” phenomenon along parts of the Kerala coast. High waves ranging from 0.9 to 1.4 metres are expected along coastal stretches in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kannur and Kasaragod districts until 11.30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Along the Kanyakumari coast, waves between 1.3 and 1.8 metres are expected until 2.30 p.m. Fishermen and coastal residents have been urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid venturing into rough sea areas.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
