Why is Kerala witnessing heavy rains?
- Kerala is presently under the influence of at least three rainfall triggering weather conditions.
- There are strong Westerly winds flowing-in from the Arabian Sea, and bringing moisture over Kerala.
- Another major cause for an increase in rainfall is the presence of an east-west shear zone located 10 degrees north over the southern peninsula.
- This vertical zone — that can prevail either in the lower, middle or upper atmospheric levels — allows active winds of high speeds to interact. This zone also allows monsoon winds to remain active, thus causing intense rainfall over the area under its influence.
- The IMD further stated that the presence of a north-south trough running between Chhattisgarh and Comorin areas, which is located closer to south Kerala is causing widespread rainfall.
