Kerala braces for scorching week; summer rains provide slight relief

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Scorching heat and isolated summer rains are expected to continue across Kerala. The Central Meteorological Department has warned of possible thundershowers and strong winds (40–50 kmph) in isolated areas through Thursday.

On Tuesday, Palakkad recorded the state’s highest temperature at 39.4°C, followed by Punalur at 38°C. Temperatures in Palakkad are projected to reach 40°C by Friday. A yellow alert remains in effect as temperatures are expected to hit 39°C in Kollam; 38°C in Kottayam; 37°C in Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod; and 36°C in Thiruvananthapuram.

Following recent summer showers, peak electricity demand has dipped slightly to 5,822 MW (previously peaking above 6,000 MW). Daily consumption was recorded at 111.42 million units on Monday.