Thundershowers to bring respite from heat

Large parts of the State are sweltering in the summer heat but weathermen expect some respite from mid-April as conditions become favourable for thundershower activity to pick up.

The weather outlook from April 14 forecasts an increase in rainfall across Kerala triggered by moisture incursion from both the Arabian sea and the Bay of Bengal. This could result in the development of a low pressure area or upper air cyclonic circulation, bringing rainfall along the Ghats region up to Wayanad in the north.

The increased thundershower activity, typical of the summer, is likely to drive down the heat and alleviate the drought conditions, according to K. Santhosh, Director, Met Centre. He said both the quantum of rainfall and spatial distribution were expected to register a marked increase from mid-April.

Meanwhile, the soaring mercury level has resulted in parched conditions in several parts of the state. During the period from March 1 to April 9, the highest departure from the maximum temperature was registered in Kozhikode district (2.2 degree Celsius), followed by Alappuzha (1.5 degrees) and Kottayam (1.2 degrees).

The season’s rainfall in Kerala from March 1 to April 9 shows an excess of 17%. Thiruvananthapuram district registered the highest seasonal rainfall deficit of 58%, followed by Alappuzha (41%), Kottayam (32%) and Malappuram (2%). All the other districts have registered excess or normal rainfall during the period.

Large parts of the State have been experiencing isolated showers over the last few days.

Last month, the government had declared nine districts drought-affected, based on the assessment of the State Disaster Management Authority chaired by the Chief Minister. The drought conditions were triggered by the rainfall deficit during the last Northeast monsoon, coupled with shortfall in the availability of surface water and groundwater and salinity intrusion.

The drought-hit districts have been directed to expedite work on water supply schemes and temporary check-dams to address drinking water shortage. Restoration of local water sources, construction of rainwater pits and subsurface dykes and establishment of water kiosks have been stepped up.