Prolonged dry weather conditions have prevailed over most parts of the South Peninsula. After the withdrawal of the northeast monsoon, as such, the weather activity becomes minimal. Sporadic rains do come back in some parts, more so, in the extreme southern region nearer to the equator. Diurnal variation and sea breeze effect also cause fleeting rains over the coastal parts of Tamil Nadu. Very light rains amounting to just a trace of rainfall were recorded by Karaikal and Nagapattinam in the past 24 hours.
South Peninsula had earlier recorded some decent rains in the first half of January. The month ended with an excess of 133% rainfall. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Coastal and South Karnataka were the large beneficiaries. Andhra Pradesh, North Karnataka and Telangana observed deficit rainfall. Islands on either side of the coastline measured large excess, raising the seasonal surplus of the region. However, the month of February so far has literally remained dry for most parts of the region. For the first 12 days of February, nearly zero rainfall has gone on record with regional monthly deficiency amounting to over 90%.
With the dry phase across the region, the earlier surplus during January is getting consumed. Kerala's surplus is down to 359% rainfall against an excess of 694% till January end. Similarly, Tamil Nadu's excess of 310% between 01st and 31st January 2024 has now dropped to a deficit of -29%, between 01st Jan to 12th Feb 2024. A similar shortfall is observed for South and Coastal Karnataka. The deficit pockets of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh continue to bear the huge seasonal shortfall, in excess of 95% rainfall.
Dry conditions are likely to continue. Only, coastal parts of Tamil Nadu and neighbourhoods may witness very light rains today and tomorrow. The entire region will remain parched for the subsequent 10 days or even longer. No major recovery is expected. On the contrary, the rainfall deficiencies are likely to grow bigger. West Coast temperatures are in excess of 35°C at Mangalore, Kozhikode, Kochi and Punalur. Karwar is the warmest with mercury touching 36°C yesterday. East Coast, though, is a shade better with mercury levels in the low thirties but these are surely more humid than their counterparts. Warm and sultry conditions are equitable on either side of the coastline. No major relief is expected for the region.