Kerala likely to experience colder weather in January as easterly wave affects Bay of Bengal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With an “easterly wave” phenomenon being experienced over the Bay of Bengal, indications are that the state may witness increased cold conditions in January.

Over the next two to three days, strong winds with speeds of up to 65 kmph are likely along the coastal areas of Kanyakumari and Lakshadweep. The sky is expected to remain partly cloudy, alternating between cloudy and clear conditions. The cold weather is also likely to intensify.

Compared to previous years, December recorded lower temperatures. In many places, night temperatures dropped below 16 degrees Celsius. In Munnar, the temperature touched zero degrees Celsius last week. Day temperatures have also come down. With the strengthening of the eastern wave, the cold may increase further.

Following the formation of the easterly wave over the Bay of Bengal, a cyclonic circulation has developed near the Sri Lankan coast. Its influence extends from Lakshadweep to the Kanyakumari coast. Due to this, isolated light to moderate rain was reported on Friday and Saturday in parts of Palakkad, Idukki, and Kottayam districts.

The weather department at CUSAT said that the formation of a cyclonic circulation after the northeast monsoon season is an unusual phenomenon.

In 2025, summer rainfall was 16 per cent above normal. However, southwest monsoon rainfall was 13 per cent below normal, and northeast monsoon rainfall was 21 per cent below normal.

What is an easterly wave? An easterly wave occurs when ocean currents and variations in sea surface temperature influence atmospheric pressure, leading to colder conditions. This effect is felt in the air above the sea and causes changes in waves and wind patterns.