Context:

A recent study has revealed a significant increase in extreme rainfall events along India’s southwest coast, with an average rise of 0.23 mm per season.

·        The research, conducted by experts from Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat), EUMETSAT, and the UK Met Office, used monsoon data from 1990 to 2023 to analyze the changing rainfall patterns.

Key highlights made:

Factors Influencing Rainfall Patterns: The study focused on how vertically integrated moisture flux, particularly influenced by sea surface temperatures (SST), affects rainfall.

·        It highlighted that the warming of SSTs in the southeast Arabian Sea has been a key driver for the intensified moisture transport, leading to increased rainfall over the region.

Role of Sea Surface Temperatures: Since 2014, SSTs in the southeast Arabian Sea have exceeded 28°C, creating favorable conditions for greater moisture flux.

·        This warming has contributed to more extreme rainfall events, making the southwest coast more vulnerable to climate variability.

·        The study finds a direct correlation between warming SSTs and the rise in extreme rainfall.

Comparison with the Northwest Coast: While the southwest coast faces heightened extreme rainfall, the northwest coast has shown an increase in average monsoon rainfall.

·        The strengthening of the dynamic component of moisture flux is linked to this increase, suggesting regional variations in climate impacts across India’s coastal regions.

Implications for the Future:

The study underscores the vulnerability of the southwest coast, particularly Kerala, to climate change. With the continued warming of the Arabian Sea, extreme rainfall events are expected to intensify in the coming decades. This trend necessitates urgent climate action and adaptation strategies to mitigate the impact of these extreme weather events.

About India's Southwest Coast:

India's Southwest Coast, also referred to as the Malabar Coast, stretches along the Arabian Sea through Karnataka and Kerala.

·        Located between the Western Ghats and the ocean, it extends from south of Goa to Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India.

·        This region features a diverse landscape of beaches, cliffs, and backwaters, renowned for its rich culture, history, and vibrant fishing industry.