Punalur soaring! Southwest monsoon to withdraw from Kerala, IMD issues warning

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the monsoon weakening, the state is bracing for intense heat. The Meteorological Department warned that atmospheric temperatures could rise by up to four degrees Celsius above normal today.

On Thursday, Punalur (36°C) recorded the highest temperature; on Wednesday, it reached 37°C—an unusually high temperature for September. Kozhikode recorded 35°C yesterday, while Kottayam, Palakkad, and Thiruvananthapuram also exceeded 34 °C.

Meanwhile, the monsoon is preparing to withdraw from the country. Conditions conducive to the monsoon's withdrawal from western Rajasthan are likely to develop by Saturday. The monsoon is expected to withdraw from Kerala by late October or early November. Confirmation of the withdrawal is based on factors such as a five-day rainless spell, reduced atmospheric moisture, and changes in wind patterns.

Since the onset of the monsoon in June, the rainfall deficit has risen to 28%. Against an expected 1,908 mm of rainfall, the state received 1,380.3 mm. Wayanad recorded the lowest rainfall, with a deficit of 54%. Idukki, a district crucial for power generation, saw a rainfall deficit of 47%. Only Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Kozhikode, Kottayam, Kasaragod, and Kannur received average rainfall; all other districts experienced a deficit.

• High temperatures can lead to conditions such as heatstroke, sunburn, and dehydration.

• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight between 11 AM and 3 PM.