IMD predicts fall in rainfall intensity

Kochi: Widespread rainfall will continue in the state, but the intensity of the rains will go down, according to the India Meteorological Department. The off-shore trough at mean sea level now runs from south Gujarat coast to north Kerala coast and yellow alerts have been sounded in Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod on July 12.Monsoon current may slow down temporarily from July 10 but is likely to get rejuvenated with some fresh monsoon system, said Skymet Weather.IMD said gusty wind speed reaching 30-40kmph is very likely at one or two places in Kerala. Fishermen have been advised against going to sea as the squally wind with speed reaching 45-55kmph gusting to 65kmph is likely to prevail over the South Tamil Nadu coast, Gulf of Mannar, and adjoining Comorin area.The Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services has issued a rough sea warning as high waves in the range of 3.5-3.8m are forecast till July 9, along the Kerala coast between Vizhinjam to Kasaragod. KSEB dams, including Poringalkuthu (92.7%), Kallarkutty (95.2%), and Lower Periyar (100%) are on red alert which is the final stage of warning before the waters are released.Irrigation reservoirs that are on yellow alert include Malankara, Neyyar, Siruvani, Kuttiyadi, Karapuzha, Kanjirapuzha, Peechi, Maniyar, Bhoothathankettu, Moolathara and Pazhassi.According to the 24-hour rainfall data recorded on Saturday morning, Padinjarathara Dam in Wayanad recorded the highest of 12cm in the state. Kudulu (Kasaragod) and Peringome (Kannur) received 9cm while Ernakulam South, Chavara (Kollam), and Aralam (Kannur) received 8cm of rainfall. Kozhikode, Kannur, Vadakkancherry, Vythiri, and Bayar (Kasaragod) recorded 7cm of rainfall.Skymet Weather said monsoon 2023 seems to be an ‘evolving El Nino year’. There is an explosive warming closer to the South American coast and shrinking over the central Nino region. These are precursors to the ‘canonic’ El Nino. Such episodes are few and therefore difficult to draw inferences. El Nino will peak during the ‘autumn’ months and fall of the year, the agency said, adding: “The break phase of the monsoon rainfall is likely in the next couple of days.”