Heat wave in Kerala again? No chance for summer rains

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian Meteorological Department has assessed that the summer season will be harsher than last year. The temperature may reach 40 degrees in March. In recent days, Kannur district recorded 38.9 degrees.

A heat wave may occur this time too. A heat wave is declared when the temperature rises by five degrees above normal and persists for 48 hours. The temperature in Palakkad, which experienced a heat wave last time, rose to 42 degrees.

The heat will only come down if the summer rains come. Only light drizzle is expected to happen in February. It is estimated that there will be no rain in March.

La Niña not active

Kerala experienced the hottest year in a century last year. Global warming and the El Niño phenomenon, which increases temperatures, were the reasons for this.

It was expected that this year we would experience the La Niña phenomenon, which causes rains. However, its level will be very low and would not reduce the temperature significantly.

High temperatures in March (degree Celsius)

2019......................41 (Palakkad)

2020......................39 (Palakkad)

2021......................37 (Kannur)

2022.....................41.2 (Palakkad)

2023.....................40.3 (Palakkad)

2024.....................39 (Kottayam)

Yesterday's high temperatures

Kottayam....................36

Punalur.....................36

Thiruvananthapuram city......35.6

`There is no chance of rain. Temperatures will rise' - Neetha K. Gopal, Kerala Meteorological, Center Chief

`There is an increase in temperature. It has not risen to the level that warrants a warning.' - Shekhar Kuriakose, State Disaster Management Authority Member Secretary