Keralam monsoon ends with 28% deficit; Idukki and Wayanad see 50% less rainfall
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Climate change & international agreements· Prelims·
Climate variability and El Niño impacts on monsoon patterns: a GS3 Environment and Agriculture case study.
Why in news
The southwest monsoon in Keralam ended on September 30, 2026, with a 28% rainfall deficit, marking one of the lowest records since 1901.
Background
Keralam recorded 1,446.5 mm of rainfall against a normal of 2,018.6 mm. Idukki and Wayanad districts experienced a 50% reduction in rainfall compared to normal levels.
Facts for Prelims
- FactKeralam rainfall deficit: 28% (1,446.5 mm recorded vs 2,018.6 mm normal)
- FactIdukki and Wayanad rainfall deficit: 50% less than normal
- FactMonsoon record: 7th-lowest since 1901 and 4th-lowest since 2001
- S&TIndia Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist V.K. Mini attributes October's below-normal rainfall to El Niño
Prelims practice question
With reference to the Kerala monsoon season ending in September 2026, consider the following statements:
- The rainfall deficit was attributed to the El Niño phenomenon.
- The state recorded a 28% rainfall deficit compared to the normal levels.
- Idukki and Wayanad districts saw a 30% reduction in rainfall compared to normal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 and 2 only
- (b)1 and 3 only
- (c)2 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: The note states they experienced a 50% reduction.
For Mains
Q. Analyze the impact of El Niño on the Indian monsoon patterns and discuss the implications of increasing rainfall deficits on the agrarian economy of Kerala.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Hydrological stress: Reduced groundwater recharge and reservoir levels in Idukki and Wayanad
- Agricultural vulnerability: Impact of 50% rainfall deficit on crop yields and food security
- Climate variability: Increasing frequency of record-low monsoon rainfall since 1901
Keywords: El Niño · monsoon deficit · hydrological stress · climate variability · agrarian economy
More Environment & Ecology notes
- Tenkasi officials demolish artificial waterfalls to restore wild stream flow to irrigation tanks · 7 October 2026
- Human-elephant conflicts killed 1,147 humans and 246 elephants since 2016 in Assam · 7 October 2026
- Weather agencies are tracking a supposed ‘super’ El Niño · 7 October 2026
- Tamil Nadu records highest Southwest monsoon temperatures in 2018-25 period at 29.45°C · 7 October 2026
- Monal moves higher and changes call pitch to avoid human encroachment in Uttarakhand · 7 October 2026
- Delhi and Centre unveil Winter Action Plan 2026-27 to tackle NCR air pollution · 7 October 2026
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.