Climate of Kerala

Kerala is one of the regions in India that receives the highest rainfall. The Southwest Monsoon arrives in Kerala first. The average annual rainfall is around 300 centimeters. Kerala receives the bulk of its rainfall from the Southwest Monsoon (*Edavappathi*); during this period, the average rainfall is up to 200 centimeters. Rainfall is heaviest in July. About 50 centimeters of rain falls on average during the Northeast Monsoon (*Thulavarsham*) season. An average of 40 centimeters of rainfall is also received as summer rain. Rainfall is lowest in January. In recent times, fluctuations have been observed in both the quantity and timing of rainfall in Kerala. The term *Njattuvela* refers to the *vela* (path or transit) of the *Njayaru* (Sun). An agricultural calendar based on *Njattuvela* systems existed in Kerala; this agricultural schedule was formulated by incorporating advance knowledge regarding rainfall and weather patterns.