This spell of heavy rain in South India has claimed at least two lives in Kerala, besides causing extensive damage to crops and property. This has taken the total death toll to around 20 since pre-monsoon rain started in the state. This inclement weather and incessant rain triggered by the low pressure area have dampened the festivities of the Thrissur Pooram festival to be held here on Friday.
On Thursday, fairly widespread rain was observed in Kerala but as the low pressure area is travelling inland rain reduced in Kochi from 191.6 mm on Wednesday to 44 mm, in Kozhikode from 87.7 mm to 66 mm. Similarly in Alapuzha and Kottayam the intensity of rain has reduced considerably and these cities recorded 28.9 mm and 9.2 mm of rain in last 24 hours. However, the intensity has increased in Thiruvananthapuram from 6 mm of rain on Wednesday to 44.3 mm the next day. Kannur and Punalur recorded a whopping 136.6 mm and 52 mm of rain, respectively.
In Karnataka, Chitradurga received 47.6 mm of rain, Madikeri 96.4, Mangalore 86.8, Bellary 38 mm, Belgaum 31.8 mm, Karwar 55.2, Honnavar 28.5 mm, Bangalore 6.5 mm and Gulbarga 28.8 mm of rain.
According to the latest weather update by Skymet Meteorology Division in India, more downpour during the next 24 hours is likely in Kerala and Karnataka. But rain in Tamil Nadu has started reducing and in the last 24 hours, rainfall came down below 10 mm in Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Kodaikanal, Madurai, Palayamkottai, Coimbatore and Trichi. In Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad received 13.4 mm of rain, Anantapur 11.9 mm and Kurnool 11.8 mm.
Temperatures in places lashed by rain have reduced by 5 to 7°C, with maximums in Chitradurga and Madikeri being 7°C below normal average. Day temperatures are 6°C below normal in Mangalore, Gadag and Honnavar as well. Bangaloreans are also enjoying cool and rainy day with maximums around 26°C, 7°C below normal. In Kerala as well, temperatures in Alapuzha, Kottayam, Kannur and Kozhikode are 5 to 7°C below normal.
According to G.P Sharma of Skymet Meteorology Division in India, South India generally observes pre-monsoon rain and thunderstorm activities in this month but such torrential rain from a weather system is unusual and unseasonal.
According to the latest weather update by Skymet Meteorology Division in India, the intensity of rain will reduce in next 24 hours in South India and temperatures are expected to rise once again.
picture courtesy- livemint