IMD forecasts near normal monsoon, Kerala relieved

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: India meteorological department’s (IMD) first long-range forecast for southwest monsoon has kindled Kerala’s hopes for a normal monsoon. Despite concerns over El Nino, IMD predicted a near normal monsoon, bringing relief to the state that is battling extreme heat and drinking water crisis this summer.
Ahead of monsoon (June to September), the state received isolated summer showers. IMD also predicted light to moderate rain in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Palakkad, Kozhikode and Wayanad. Isolated heavy rainfall is expected in Malappuram on Thursday. IMD director K Santhosh said widespread rain is expected in state after Thursday. Summer rain was deficient this season.

But, light summer showers have not given a respite from the extreme heat that began a month ago. IMD said that extreme heat conditions will continue in most districts till Wednesday and the maximum temperature will be 2-3 degrees celsius ‘above normal’. “We will review the situation and revise temperature prediction on Wednesday,” he said.

El Nino, a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of Pacific Ocean’s surface water, is usually associated with a weak monsoon. However, the long-range prediction said that weak El Niño conditions are likely to prevail during monsoon, with reduced intensity in the later part of the season.

“The sea surface temperature conditions over the Pacific Ocean (El Niño/La Niña) and Indian Ocean (Indian Ocean Dipole-IOD) – which are known to have a strong influence on Indian monsoon – are being monitored. Overall, India can expect a well-distributed rainfall this season, which will benefit all farmers during the ensuing kharif season,” stated the long-range forecast on Monday. IMD will issue the second long-range forecast in June. The announcement on the onset of monsoon is expected in the second-half of May.

2 more sunstroke cases

Two more cases of sunstroke were reported from Muthalamada Public Health Centre in Palakkad on Tuesday. The affected persons were identified as Ashik Illiayath (23) and Alla Picha (42) from Muthalamada. Deputy district medical officer Dr AK Nazar said that 145 persons sustained sunburn in Palakkad in March and April this year.