Unlocking Kerala’s Secrets: Surprising North-to-South Rainfall Variations Revealed in Groundbreaking Study!
A recent study conducted by the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) in Kozhikode highlights significant variations in rainfall distribution across Kerala. Titled “Kerala Water Resources Assessment 2024: Rainfall, Rivers, Groundwater, and Wetlands 2024,” the research identifies crucial differences in how seasonal and annual rainfall impact the northern, central, and southern regions of the state.
Northern Kerala, which includes the districts of Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram, primarily relies on the south-west monsoon for its annual precipitation. This monsoon accounts for approximately 71% of the total rainfall in these areas, while the north-east monsoon contributes a mere 14%. Central Kerala, encompassing Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Kottayam, also sees a dominant influence from the south-west monsoon, with around 61% of annual rainfall derived from this season and the north-east monsoon contributing about 17%. In notable contrast, the southern districts-Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta-exhibit a more balanced distribution, receiving around 46% of their rainfall from the south-west monsoon and a higher 22% from the north-east monsoon.
The study further analyzed rainfall trends from 1970 to 2024, revealing a concerning decrease in June rainfall across several districts, particularly Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Kannur. This trend reflects a significant reduction in early monsoon precipitation. July continues this pattern, with marked decreases noted in Kollam, Idukki, and Ernakulam. Conversely, August remains relatively stable across most areas, with slight increases in Malappuram and Thrissur. Notably, September shows a significant uptick in rainfall for northern districts, including Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, indicating enhanced precipitation during the peak monsoon season.
Variability in early pre-monsoon rainfall is suggested by slight increases recorded in March across Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Wayanad. A seasonal analysis reveals mixed trends during the south-west monsoon, showcasing decreasing rainfall in regions such as Kollam, Idukki, and Ernakulam, while northern districts, including Kasaragod, Wayanad, and Kannur, show slight increases.
When examining the north-east monsoon, coastal districts like Malappuzam and Kasaragod reveal decreasing trends, whereas Kannur experiences an increase, showcasing the spatial variability of rainfall patterns. District-specific data indicate that the southern regions, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha, tend to maintain stable or slightly decreasing rainfall during the early monsoon months.
In the central districts, such as Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Palakkad, mixed trends emerge, showing increases during pre-monsoon months but decreases in early south-west monsoon periods. Most notably, northern districts like Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod, and Wayanad show increasing rainfall trends during both south-west and post-monsoon months, suggesting more intense precipitation in these areas.
This comprehensive assessment of Kerala’s rainfall patterns not only underscores the regional disparities but also raises essential questions about water resource management in light of changing climate dynamics. Understanding these trends will be crucial for farmers, policymakers, and water resource managers as they navigate an increasingly variable climate landscape.
Published – October 28, 2025 09:24 pm IST
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/north-to-south-variations-in-rainfall-pattern-in-kerala-says-study/article70212705.ece
Category : Kerala
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Publish Date: 2025-10-28 21:24:00
