Wayanad records high rainfall between June 2024 and May 2025, says Hume Centre

After four consecutive years of below-average rainfall, Wayanad has recorded significantly high rainfall between June 2024 and May 2025, according to the Kalpetta-based Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology.

The centre attributed the sudden increase to a normal southwest monsoon onset in 2024, followed by an early onset in May 2025, leading to prolonged wet conditions across the district.

As per the rainfall monitoring data, Lakkidi recorded the highest rainfall in the district, with a staggering 7,611 mm over the 12-month period. Mattillayam (7,022 mm) and Niravilpuzha (6,463 mm) also reported exceptionally high totals, according to the centre. “The high-altitude regions, located along the windward slopes of the Western Ghats, traditionally receive more rainfall, but this year’s extended monsoon period further intensified the totals,” it said.

“We have had a hyper-local weather monitoring system in place for the past four to five years,” said centre director C.K. Vishnudas.

Interior locations such as Thettamala, Kappikalam, and Boys Town followed closely, reinforcing the trend of widespread and heavy rainfall in the western and central parts of the district. The increased rainfall in these areas may raise concerns about soil saturation, waterlogging, and the potential for landslides, according to the centre. In contrast, the central and eastern parts of Wayanad reported relatively lower figures. Kalpetta, the district headquarters, received 3,245 mm, while Panamaram recorded 3,117 mm. The southeastern regions recorded the lowest rainfall.

“By analysing data from all stations, it was found that the district received an average rainfall of nearly 4,000 mm during this period. This marks a significant recovery from the previous four years, during which Wayanad consistently received less than the climatological average. Monsoon onsets were also delayed or erratic, disrupting agricultural schedules and water management systems,” the centre said.

Published - June 15, 2025 11:44 pm IST