Kerala Reels Under 7th-Driest Southwest Monsoon: 70% of State Rain-Deficient

Kerala has recorded its seventh-lowest southwest monsoon season since records began, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting that nearly 70% of the state remained significantly rain-deficient at the season's end on September 30. The severe shortfall has raised alarm across the state, which relies heavily on monsoon rains for agriculture, drinking water, and hydroelectric power.

According to IMD data, the southwest monsoon, which typically spans June to September, underperformed drastically across Kerala. The northeast monsoon, which normally sets in by mid-October and contributes to the state's annual rainfall, is also expected to be below normal during its opening month. This follows a pattern of erratic monsoon behavior in recent years, with climate change increasingly cited as a factor. Official figures indicate that rainfall deficits have persisted across multiple districts, impacting key crops such as rice, rubber, and spices.

The implications are far-reaching: reservoirs are at low levels, groundwater depletion is accelerating, and farmers are facing another season of potential crop failure. The state government may need to declare drought-like conditions and implement water conservation measures. Globally, this aligns with warnings from climate scientists about intensifying extreme weather events. Authorities are expected to release a detailed advisory on water management and agricultural contingency plans in the coming weeks, while monitoring the northeast monsoon's progress closely.