Kerala Feels the Heat: Temperatures Soar 4°C Above Normal

Kerala is witnessing an unseasonal spike in daytime temperatures as a prolonged dry spell and cloud-free skies prevail across the state. Several locations recorded temperatures well above normal on Monday, with Kottayam and Punalur emerging as the hottest spots.

Kottayam logged 35.2°C, a full 4.4°C above the seasonal average, while Punalur in Kollam district touched 36.2°C, which is 4.3°C higher than normal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heat alert, warning of hot and humid conditions at isolated places until Wednesday, with maximum temperatures likely to remain 3–4°C above normal.

Neetha K. Gopal, Director of IMD Thiruvananthapuram, attributed the sudden rise in temperature to the absence of rain and clear skies, which allow more solar radiation to heat the ground.

The state is already reeling under a rainfall deficit of about 25% as of September 7, and the IMD's monthly forecast predicts below-normal rainfall for September. This is likely to prolong the summer-like conditions, with reduced cloud cover and higher humidity adding to the discomfort.

Some relief may be on the horizon, however. A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring isolated heavy showers from Thursday, possibly lasting a few days. Light showers are anticipated by the weekend, but Gopal cautioned that if the Bay of Bengal remains calm after the system passes, temperatures could climb even higher.

Meanwhile, conditions are becoming favourable for the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from northwest India, a seasonal development that may further influence the weather in the coming weeks.