Thu May 29 15:23:02 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

Kerala is experiencing unusually high-speed winds, similar to those preceding the devastating 2018 floods. Wind profiler radar detected jet stream speeds of 20 m/s (72 kmph), significantly higher than normal. Experts attribute the high winds to increased moisture pumping from the Arabian Sea, orographic lifting, and potentially conditions resembling La Niña. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirms the unusual wind speed since the monsoon onset. The cause of the increased speed is unknown, although global factors might be at play. There’s also a rise in localized whirlwinds, possibly linked to climate change and decreased monsoon rainfall.

**News Article:**

**Kerala Braces for Potential Flood as High-Speed Winds Mimic 2018 Pattern**

**Thiruvananthapuram, May 29, 2025** – Concerns are mounting in Kerala as unusually high-speed winds sweep across the state, bearing a striking resemblance to the conditions that preceded the devastating floods of 2018. Data from the wind profiler radar at Cusat’s Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research (ACARR) recorded monsoon low-level jet speeds of 20 meters per second (approximately 72 kilometers per hour) at an altitude of approximately 2 km on Thursday, raising alarm bells among meteorologists.

“In 2018, the core speed of the monsoon low-level jet was about 20 m/s on August 14, the day ahead of the flood,” said Ajil Kottayil, scientist at ACARR. “This is unusual considering the climatological normal of the low-level jet speed over Kerala, which used to hover around 10-15 m/s.” Kottayil further explained that such high-speed winds would typically transport substantial moisture from the Arabian Sea, leading to increased cloud formation and intense rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has corroborated the findings, reporting high gusty winds across the state. Palakkad recorded the highest wind speed at 68.5 kmph, followed by Wayanad at 66.6 kmph. “This unusually high speed of wind has been observed since the onset of the monsoon on May 24,” stated Neetha K. Gopal, IMD Director, Thiruvananthapuram. “The speed and gustiness of the wind are higher than those normally observed during the monsoon. The speed and depth of the wind influence the rain.”

While the exact cause of the elevated wind speeds remains unclear, experts speculate that global climate patterns may be playing a role. Although ENSO and IOD conditions are currently neutral, conditions similar to La Niña are prevailing. “Further, the atmospheric conditions are favorable for a wet spell over Kerala,” Gopal added.

Adding to the concerns, the frequency and intensity of localized whirlwinds have also increased, causing property damage across the state. Experts attribute this to regional climate changes, particularly declining monsoon rainfall and rising temperatures. The combination of these factors has prompted authorities to closely monitor the situation and prepare for potential heavy rainfall and flooding in the coming days. Residents are urged to stay informed and heed any warnings issued by the IMD.

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