Kerala on Red Alert: How Cyclonic Circulation Is Triggering Heavy Rainfall Across the State
Once again, Kerala finds itself dealing with heavy monsoon showers, as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings on the lines of red and orange for several regions in the state. There has been significant waterlogging, disruption of traffic, rivers overtopping their banks, and even flooding in certain places in the state.
The foremost cause of this kind of weather is the formation of southwest monsoons and the cyclonic circulations prevailing over the area. With this formation of these weather conditions, there would be rains throughout the state.
What Is a Cyclonic Circulation?
Cyclonic circulation refers to low-pressure systems in the atmosphere whereby wind flows towards an area of low atmospheric pressure.
Cyclones in the Northern Hemisphere flow in a counterclockwise direction and contribute to the entry of massive quantities of moist air into the region from neighboring areas. The development of such a weather system over or close to the Arabian Sea and southern India, especially during monsoon seasons, results in increased rainfalls.
Scientists have established that cyclonic circulation functions like a pump that draws in moist air from neighboring areas, forcing it to rise upwards. The rising air then cools down and condenses into clouds causing heavy rainfalls. Such a situation is prevailing now in Kerala.
Why Kerala Is Getting So Much Rain
The southwestern monsoon made its presence felt in Kerala on June 4, signaling the start of India’s four-month rainy season. Even though the arrival was delayed, the monsoon is quickly gaining strength over Kerala.
Moreover, under the influence of a cyclonic circulation and monsoon favorability, there is an influx of huge quantities of moisture into Kerala from the Arabian Sea.
It should be noted that the Western Ghats also play a critical role in this process.
With the interaction of the moisture-filled winds against the mountains, the clouds are forced to rise up. This process is referred to as orographic lifting and leads to rapid condensation and precipitation on the leeward slopes of the mountains.
Due to that, coastal and Western Ghats districts receive the maximum amount of rain in such cases.
Why IMD Issued a Red Alert
Red warning will be declared if very heavy rains are expected, along with a high probability of disruption to everyday activities.
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rains in Kerala for days, with some areas facing a possibility of 20 cm rain in 24 hours.
According to recent reports, red and orange warnings have been declared by the concerned authorities in various districts due to threats of floods, landslides, uprooting of trees, and traffic disruption.
Vulnerable areas are being monitored, particularly hills, where there may be landslides due to continuous rains.
Which Areas Are Most Vulnerable?
Historically, districts close to the Western Ghats region are more vulnerable during heavy spells of monsoon rains.
Regions like Wayanad, Idukki, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, and central Kerala tend to witness sudden runoff, flooding of streams, and landslides whenever it rains continuously for many days.
Low-lying urban regions are also susceptible to heavy rain as their drainage system may get congested during continuous rainfall.
The combination of waterlogged soil and rainwater makes it easier for flash floods to occur, even when the intensity of rain decreases for some time.
Impact on Daily Life
The downpour has already begun impacting travel in certain regions of Kerala.
There has been the incidence of water logging on various roads, while flooded canals and rivers have raised red flags among the relevant authorities. Some regions have experienced uprooted trees due to heavy wind, coupled with disruption of activities due to rain.
It is worth noting that short intervals of very heavy rain could result in flash floods, especially in towns due to poor drainage systems.
What the Forecast Says for the Next Few Days
According to the IMD, there will still be widespread rains in Kerala as the monsoon season gains more strength over the South Indian region. There will also be persistent heavy to very heavy rains in some districts over the coming days.
Meteorological updates show that the monsoon condition is still favorable; hence, there could be more passage of rain bands within the state.
However, this does not imply that all the districts of the state will experience very heavy rains on daily basis.
Safety Measures Residents Should Follow
Those residing in areas susceptible to flooding and landslides are being asked to keep abreast of any updates on the weather and district administration advice.
Travel must be avoided at all costs when there is heavy rainfall, especially in areas where hills make the road surface vulnerable to changes within minutes.
Areas prone to flooding from streams, rivers, and slopes need special attention.
Fishermen have been warned about the weather at sea due to turbulent seas that usually follow a severe monsoon season.
Why This Monsoon Phase Is Important
Kerala is usually the first point of contact for the monsoons in India.
The weather conditions that take place in Kerala in the month of June can determine the rainfall pattern in the rest of the country as the monsoon moves further north.
This makes the meteorological community keep a keen eye on the cyclonic circulation and rain happening in Kerala currently.
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Conclusion
The current red alert issued in Kerala is due to a combination of very strong southwest monsoon winds, moisture from the Arabian Sea, and cyclogenesis resulting in heavy rains in the region.
Although the monsoon rains provide a good source of water, the severity of the weather pattern increases the likelihood of floods and landslides. The authorities have advised people to be cautious about the weather warnings since the heavy rain is expected to continue.
