Kerala Winter Rain 28/02/26 : Winter Rainfall 116% Above Normal in Kerala; Sharp Deficit in Some Districts

According to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Thiruvananthapuram centre, Kerala recorded 116% excess winter rainfall from January 1 to February 28 this year. While the normal rainfall for the period is 21.1 mm, the state received 45.6 mm of rain during this time.

District-wise Rainfall Status

Districts with Extremely High Excess Rainfall

• Kozhikode – 1219% excess

• Kannur – 565% excess

• Wayanad – 234% excess

• Palakkad – 348% excess

• Thrissur – 256% excess

Districts Near Normal or Slightly Below

• Alappuzha – 75% of normal

• Ernakulam – 88% of normal

• Kottayam – 90% of normal

Districts with Rainfall Deficit

• Kollam – 11% deficit

• Malappuram – 19% deficit

• Thiruvananthapuram – 17% deficit

• Idukki – 47% deficit

• Kasargod – 70% deficit

• Pathanamthitta – 96% deficit

Weather experts noted that central and northern districts, especially hilly regions, received significantly higher rainfall during the season, while some southern districts experienced comparatively lower rainfall.

Winter is typically a dry season in Kerala. Therefore, the increase in rainfall this year is considered beneficial for farmers and water resources.

Benefits of Increased Winter Rainfall

Higher soil moisture levels will benefit crops such as vegetables, paddy, banana, and pepper. Plantation crops like tea and coffee in hilly areas are also likely to benefit.

Water levels in wells, ponds, and small streams are expected to improve, offering relief to areas facing drinking water shortages. The rainfall may also reduce drought risk and provide essential moisture to forest vegetation.

However, excessive rainfall can sometimes increase the risk of crop diseases, particularly in vegetables and flower cultivation. Lightning and strong winds may also cause localized agricultural damage.

Overall, the enhanced winter rainfall comes as a relief, especially for regions that experienced drought conditions in recent years.

Why Did Kerala Receive More Winter Rainfall This Year?

Winter (January–February) is usually a dry period. However, several meteorological factors contributed to the increased rainfall this year.

One major factor was the formation of low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal. These systems, along with cyclonic circulations, strengthened easterly winds and transported moisture toward Kerala.

In addition, weather disturbances forming over northern India influenced southern states, leading to increased cloud formation. Sea surface temperatures over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal were higher than normal, increasing atmospheric moisture content and creating favorable conditions for thunderstorms.

Daytime heating followed by evening cloud buildup particularly contributed to thunderstorm activity in hilly regions. As a result, Kerala witnessed unusually high winter rainfall this season.