The southwest monsoon has regained strength in Kerala, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall across the state and forcing airlines to divert flights due to severe weather.

Key Takeaways

  • IMD has issued an Orange Alert for 11 districts in Kerala.
  • Peerumedu in Idukki recorded the highest rainfall of 11 cm.
  • Two major flights were diverted to Thiruvananthapuram due to bad weather.
  • A deep depression over Chhattisgarh is driving the current weather system.

After a brief dry spell, the southwest monsoon has once again become active across Kerala. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state is experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly in the central and northern regions. This sudden revival is attributed to a deep depression located over west-central Chhattisgarh and adjoining areas of Vidarbha and southeast Madhya Pradesh.

Rainfall Statistics and Regional Impact

The intensity of the rain has varied across the state. Peerumedu in Idukki district emerged as the wettest spot, recording 11 cm of rainfall within a 24-hour period. Other significant contributors include Vythiri in Wayanad and Ayyankunnu in Kannur, both recording 9 cm. While an Orange Alert is in place for 11 districts, a Yellow Alert has been issued for Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram.

Read Also:Low Pressure Area Over UP-Bihar: Heavy Rain and Thunderstorm Alert Across North India

Disruption in Air Travel

The inclement weather has not only impacted ground conditions but also disrupted aviation. Authorities at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport confirmed that an IndiGo flight (Kochi-Male) and an Air India Express flight (Bengaluru-Kochi) had to be diverted to Thiruvananthapuram due to deteriorating weather conditions and poor visibility.

Meteorologists suggest that while the deep depression may weaken into a depression over the next 12 hours, the immediate impact on Kerala will remain significant.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such sudden shifts in monsoon patterns can lead to localized flooding and significant disruptions in logistics and transport networks, necessitating heightened state-level preparedness.

Historical Background

Kerala's monsoon patterns are critical for India's agricultural cycle. The movement of the monsoon trough, which has recently remained south of its normal position, plays a decisive role in determining the intensity of rainfall in the southern peninsula.

Did You Know?: The term 'Monsoon' is derived from the Arabic word 'Mausim', which means season.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which districts are under the highest alert?
11 districts are currently under an Orange Alert, while Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram are under a Yellow Alert.

2. Why were the flights diverted?
Flights were diverted to Thiruvananthapuram due to bad weather and safety concerns during transit.