Dry spell, cloud-free sky push temperature above normal at many places in Keralam
The IMD has issued a heat alert warning of hot and humid conditions at isolated places in Keralam until September 9
Kerala is dealing with summer-like conditions as a lack of rain and dry weather have pushed temperatures above normal levels. Kottayam observed a temperature 4.4°C higher than average for two days in a row on Sunday and Monday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heat alert, predicting hot and humid conditions in isolated areas of Kerala until September 9.
The IMD expects maximum temperatures to be 3-4°C above normal at some locations during this period. Kottayam and Punalur in Kollam were the hottest spots on Monday, with Kottayam recording 35.2°C and Punalur 36.2°C, both 4.4°C and 4.3°C higher than the normal temperature. Neetha K. Gopal, Director of IMD in Thiruvananthapuram, stated that the cloud-free sky and absence of rain triggered the sudden increase in daytime temperature.
However, a respite is expected over the weekend as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal brings isolated heavy showers across Kerala from Thursday. While light showers are expected by the end of the week, temperatures could rise further if the Bay of Bengal remains calm. The weather conditions are also favorable for the southwest monsoon withdrawal from north-west India, and Kerala is currently experiencing a 25% shortfall in rainfall compared to the normal as of September 7.
The monthly forecast by the IMD also warns of below-normal rainfall across the state during September, which may worsen the summer-like conditions in the region due to reduced cloud cover, absence of rain, and higher humidity in the atmosphere.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
