The southwest monsoon, scheduled to draw to a close in Kerala on September 30, proved good for the State this year after an erratic beginning. The cumulative rainfall in Kerala stands at 1,727.7 mm as of September 18, against the long period average of 1,918 mm, showing a departure of 10%. After a couple of extreme rainfall events in August and at the beginning of September, the season has been normal so far in the State.
A departure of plus/minus 19% rainfall is considered ‘normal’ rainfall, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The monsoon season (June-September) had started on an erratic note with rains staying away from the State in June and July, both months recording a deficient rainfall.
