Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Kerala Monsoon Rainfall Deficit Reaches 28 Per Cent
Kerala has received much less monsoon rain than usual this year.
The shortage was 28 per cent across the state between June 1 and September 17.
Wayanad had the biggest shortfall, at 54 per cent.
Idukki had a 47 per cent shortfall.
Weather officials said El Niño helped cause the weaker monsoon.
Some parts of Kerala are also unusually hot for this time of year.
Punalur reached 37 degrees Celsius, and Thiruvananthapuram reached 35.4 degrees Celsius.
More rain may come in isolated places, but it may not quickly fix the shortage.
Kerala recorded a 28 per cent southwest monsoon rainfall deficit from June 1 to September 17.
Wayanad had the state’s largest deficit at 54 per cent, followed by Idukki at 47 per cent.
Weather officials attributed the weaker monsoon conditions to the influence of El Niño.
Punalur recorded Kerala’s highest temperature at 37 degrees Celsius, while Thiruvananthapuram reached 35.4 degrees Celsius.
Isolated heavy rain is forecast, but the showers may not immediately erase the accumulated deficit.
- Who
- Kerala and the India Meteorological Department, which released the rainfall figures.
- What
- Kerala recorded a 28 per cent deficit in southwest monsoon rainfall, with Wayanad and Idukki among the worst affected districts.
- When
- The figures cover June 1 through September 17; the highest temperatures cited were recorded on Wednesday.
- Where
- Kerala, particularly Wayanad and Idukki; Punalur recorded the highest temperature.
- Why
- Weather officials attributed the weaker monsoon conditions to the influence of El Niño.
- Statewide rainfall deficit
- 28 per cent
- Data period
- June 1 to September 17
- Worst-affected district
- Wayanad, with a 54 per cent deficit
- Second-worst listed district
- Idukki, with a 47 per cent deficit
- Highest temperature
- 37 degrees Celsius in Punalur
- Thiruvananthapuram temperature
- 35.4 degrees Celsius
- Forecast
- Isolated heavy rain is possible in the coming days