Kerala has witnessed dry weather conditions in the month of April and May. In both the months, pre-Monsoon activities in the state were very less. Although on and off light rain has occurred, but the typical pre-Monsoon showers were absent. Due to the lack of pre monsoon activities, temperature over Kerala remained way above normal and heat wave like conditions also prevailed during April unlike normally.
The month of May also remained relatively dry, but now, rain intensity has suddenly picked up pace indicating the arrival of Monsoon 2016.
Pre-monsoon showers over Kerala has picked up intensity since last 2 days. The state has already enjoyed fairly widespread light to moderate rains that were heavy at a few places too. The onset of Southwest Monsoon over Kerala signals the arrival of rainy season over the region. As the rain has already picked up pace, we expect that the fairly widespread rain will continue over Kerala and is expected to increase after 24 to 48 hours. One of the criteria for the onset of Monsoon is that after 10th May, 60% of the available 14 stations enlisted should get 2.5 mm rainfall or more for 2 consecutive days. As we expect that rains over Kerala will take up the pace further, therefore, the onset is around the corner. During last 24 hours, rainfall recorded in various stations of Kerala is as follows:
We have to wait and see whether other criteria for the onset of Monsoon are being met or not. It is only after monitoring the state for another 48 hours can we conclude weather onset has occurred or not.
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