Kerala faces severe drought as monsoon season ends with record deficiency

Kerala's southwest monsoon season concluded on September 30 with alarmingly low rainfall figures, marking the seventh-weakest monsoon performance in the state's meteorological records. Data from the India Meteorological Department indicates that approximately 70 percent of Kerala remained significantly rain-deficient throughout the four-month season, raising concerns about agricultural output and water availability in the state.

The shortfall in monsoon precipitation comes as a major concern for farmers and water resources managers across Kerala, which depends heavily on seasonal rains for irrigation and reservoir replenishment. The deficiency is expected to have cascading effects on the state's agricultural sector, particularly in regions reliant on rain-fed cultivation.

Adding to the weather woes, meteorological forecasters predict that the northeast monsoon—typically establishing itself by mid-October—may also underperform during its initial month. This consecutive rainfall deficit from both monsoon systems could exacerbate drought conditions and intensify water scarcity challenges across the state.

The recurring pattern of weaker monsoon seasons underscores growing concerns about climate variability and its impact on Kerala's agricultural economy and water security. State authorities are likely to monitor weather patterns closely and prepare contingency measures as the northeast monsoon approaches.